Ask the Expert: your women's health questions, answered.

From ovulation timing to alcohol and conception, hear from Dr Sugha Murugesu, our specialist Clinician.

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July 23, 2026 11:06am EDT

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SCIENCE-BACKED ANSWERS.

JULY 2026

with Dr Sugha Murugesu (MBBChir MRCP MRCOG) our specialist Clinician.

Your questions, answered

From ovulation timing to alcohol and conception, Dr Sugha Murugesu breaks down your most-asked questions with honest, science-backed answers. Clear, supportive guidance, minus the medical jargon.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances.

QUESTION 1

Q: What is one thing that is important for fertility that women often overlook?

A: Correctly timing intercourse is often overlooked. The fertile window is about 6 days, intercourse up to 5 days before ovulation can still result in pregnancy (sperm survive ~5 days; the egg only ~12–24 hours). Many people underestimate this window or focus only on "ovulation day" itself.

Read our Proactive Guide to Getting Pregnant

QUESTION 2

Q: Best supplements to take as a women in her late 30s wanting to conceive

A: NHS-recommended essentials are folic acid 400mcg/day and vitamin D 10mcg/day (year-round for some ethnicities). Evidence for other fertility supplements is limited. A balanced diet matters most.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medication.

QUESTION 3

Q: How does moderately (4-6 units per week) drinking affect your fertility and ability to conceive? Is there benefit in fully stopping whilst trying to conceive?

A: Evidence suggests there is a benefit, even light-moderate drinking (3-6 drinks/week) in the luteal phase has been linked to a 44% lower chance of conceiving that cycle vs non-drinkers, and no safe threshold for conception has been identified. NHS currently advises avoiding alcohol while actively trying to conceive.

Submit your question 💬

Got something on your mind? Dr Sugha Murugesu is here to help. Her expertise covers everything from fertility and hormone health to menopause and gynaecological conditions - no question is too niche, awkward or TMI.

Send us your question and it could be answered in the next edition.

Ask us anything