Preparing for pregnancy as a couple is not only about tracking ovulation or taking a vitamin. The preconception period is an opportunity for both partners to review lifestyle habits, nutrition, body weight, chronic health conditions, medication use and factors that may affect reproductive health.

Fertility is a shared topic. Ovulation, egg-cell quality, sperm parameters, hormonal status, age, smoking, alcohol, body weight, sleep, stress and certain medical conditions can all influence the path to conception. Preparation should therefore not be focused on only one partner.

The purpose of preconception preparation is not a quick fix. It is a practical plan: health review, balanced nutrition, appropriate nutrient intake, regular physical activity and timely consultation with a gynaecologist, urologist or fertility centre when needed.

When should couples start preparing for pregnancy?

Time period Main focus Useful internal link
3–6 months before conception Review lifestyle, sleep, body weight, smoking, alcohol, chronic conditions and regular medication. Explore preparations for improving sperm function.
At least 1 month before conception Women should discuss suitable folate intake and other important micronutrients with a doctor or pharmacist. Folic 400 + B12 and the category vitamins, minerals and omega-3.
Before IVF or IUI Preparation should be coordinated with the fertility centre and medical team leading the procedure. Genante 30 tablets or Genante 90 tablets, after professional advice.

Why are both female and male fertility important?

When pregnancy does not happen, it is important not to assume the cause in advance. Some couples may need an assessment of ovulation and hormonal status, others a semen analysis or urological review, and many benefit from evaluating both partners in parallel.

Topic What may matter? Practical link
Female fertility Cycle regularity, ovulation, hormonal status, age, gynaecological history and medical conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis. Browse pregnancy vitamins and minerals.
Male fertility Sperm count, motility and morphology, together with lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, excessive heat exposure and nutrition. CreativePro Men and sperm function support.

Oxidative stress and reproductive cells

Oxidative stress describes an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s antioxidant protection. In reproductive health, specialists may consider it in some fertility assessments, particularly in selected sperm quality concerns or during infertility work-up.

It should not be self-treated with supplements. The priority remains finding the underlying cause, managing chronic health conditions, stopping smoking, improving nutrition and discussing any nutritional support with a healthcare professional.

Nutritional support before conception and IVF

Nutrient or approach Why it may be considered Relevant product or category
Folate and B vitamins Folate is particularly important before conception and in early pregnancy. The suitable form and dose should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Folic 400 + B12.
Vitamin D and broader micronutrient status Need for supplementation should be guided by laboratory results, diet and medical advice. Vitamins, minerals and omega-3.
Support for both partners during preconception For couples planning pregnancy or preparing for IVF, a healthcare professional can assess whether a combined nutritional formula has a place in an individual plan. Genante 30 tablets for starting use, or Genante 90 tablets as an economical three-month pack.
Male reproductive support A urologist or andrologist may recommend targeted nutritional support alongside lifestyle measures for selected semen-analysis findings. Preparations for improving sperm function.

When should a couple seek fertility advice?

Situation Recommended next step
No pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse when the female partner is under 35. Arrange a gynaecology consultation and consider assessment of male factors as well.
No pregnancy after 6 months when the female partner is 35 or older. Seek earlier fertility assessment because time may be especially relevant.
Irregular or absent periods, known endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery, abnormal semen results or known urological concerns. Do not delay consultation with a gynaecologist, urologist, andrologist or fertility centre.

Pharmacist’s advice

Pregnancy preparation works best as a shared plan. Review chronic conditions, medication, nutrition and lifestyle habits together, then discuss whether laboratory testing or targeted nutritional support is appropriate.

Folate is important before conception, but the dose and form should fit the individual situation. During IVF preparation, do not independently start, stop or change supplements and treatment without consulting the fertility centre. Genante and similar products do not replace fertility diagnostics, semen analysis, hormonal assessment or an IVF protocol.

Advice prepared by: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

Frequently asked questions

How early should couples start preparing for pregnancy?
Ideally several months before planned conception, allowing time to review lifestyle, health conditions, medication and appropriate folate intake.

Should pregnancy preparation include both partners?
Yes. Fertility is a shared topic and both female and male factors, as well as the lifestyle of both partners, can matter.

Can supplements replace a fertility consultation?
No. Food supplements may be part of nutritional support but cannot replace medical diagnostics, treatment of infertility causes or an IVF protocol.

When should a fertility centre be consulted?
After 12 months of trying if the woman is under 35, after 6 months if she is 35 or older, or earlier when there are irregular cycles, known gynaecological or urological concerns.