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New figures show that women living near the 180ft Cerne Abbas Giant – an ancient fertility symbol, carved out in the chalk downs in North Dorset – produce the most babies in the country. So, if you've been trying for a baby for a while and are looking for a little helping hand, you might want to move to Dorset.
Or for those of you who are dubious about the reproductive benefits of living close to a carving of a giant man with a huge willy, here are some more scientific approaches to boosting your fertility.
See your GP
According to statistics, women's fertility drops rapidly after the age of 35. If you are in your early thirties and have been trying unsuccessfully for a baby for a year without any success, talk to your GP. If you are over 35, seek advice after six months. They will be able to advise you on the next steps. If for instance, you are having problems ovulating there are drugs they can prescribe to help.
Know your cycle
Women are most fertile at day 10-16 of their cycle, with day one being the first day of their period. Sperm can stay alive in the female reproductive tract for up to three days so having sex at least every other day during this fertile time can be enough to make a baby.
Eat healthily
Being underweight or overweight can cause problems in conceiving as weight problems can affect the hormones that control fertility. Zinc-rich foods such as red meat and wholegrain cereal may improve sperm quality.
Watch your wine intake
Research suggests that as little as five drinks a week can affect women's fertility. So while the occasional glass of wine is unlikely to affect your chances, it's wise to take it easy and definitely time to scrap the all-night drinking sessions.
Ditch the cigarettes
Smoking harms the fertility of both men and women. The damage is temporary in men, as they produce new sperm every 70 days. But if he keeps on smoking the sperm count will continue to be affected. And the story's worse for women. According to the British Medical Association, smoking can reduce a woman's chances of conceiving by up to 40 per cent.
Spice up your sex life
When you're trying for a baby, sex becomes something you have to do in order to achieve what you want, not just something you do for fun - particularly when you are timing things around your monthly cycle. But don't forget it was once the lifeblood of your relationship. Don't forget to enjoy your sex life outside your 'fertile days' too. An unhappy sex life can put strain on your relationship, leading to stress thus exacerbating the problem.
Keep the love alive
If the stress of trying to conceive is putting a strain on your relationship it's likely that you'll be less inclined to make love as often. Make time to enjoy each other in the way you used to. Organise regular date nights, plan a weekend getaway or find the time to have a proper sit-down dinner once a week – music on, telly off!
Get checked for STDs
Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, can harm fertility. If there is a possibility that you or your partner may have caught something, it's important to get it checked out sooner rather than later. Make an appointment with your GP or visit your local STD clinic.
Tell him to look after the boys
Certain things can inhibit his sperm. Sitting at a desk all day, for instance, can cause problems. Heat causes sperm damage, and testes should be one or two degrees cooler than the rest of the body. Experts suggest taking a five to ten-minute walk every hour to let the air circulate.
Ignore the old-wives' tales
Okay, so maybe the women who live near the Cerne Abbas Giant may have the highest fertility rates in the country but as a general rule, old wives' tales should be taken with a pinch of salt. Sperm are quick off the mark and any potentially successful candidates will be well on their way to reaching their target by the time he pulls out. So forget sticking your legs and bum in the air after the deed!
Have you had trouble conceiving? Do you have any fertility tips? Leave a comment below.
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