Do pills/dietary supplements help fertility?

Dear Professor Winston
I was just wondering if you could give me a bit of advice. I’m 25 years old and my partner and I have been trying for a baby for 3 years without any luck.

As my partner has children from a past relationship, I am not entitled to any help on the NHS.

I wonder if there may be any pills/supplements I could take that may help? However, I’m not sure what to take and what not to take as there are that many different kinds available and sometimes you don’t know what you are taking.

Thank you
J

Dear J,

If you have been seriously using unprotected intercourse without contraception for three years, you clearly need proper medical tests to find out why this is not happening. This will initially mean a visit to your GP and an NHS referral to a good clinic involved in reproductive medicine. My book which is due to be launched next month, The Essential Fertility Guide, may help you understand the tests involved. The best clinics in your region would be in Newcastle, but there may be something nearer to hand.

Do not consider pills or supplements – simply put, there is absolutely no evidence that anything you can buy over the counter will make any difference.

Best wishes

Robert Winston