A leading UK fertility specialist has broken her silence, sharing a series of hard-hitting truths she wishes every patient trying to get pregnant could hear. Dr Nagla Elfaki, a London-based obstetrics and gynaecology expert, took to TikTok to deliver her candid advice in a trio of videos that have resonated with thousands.
The Unspoken Truths About Your Reproductive Health
In her first video, captioned "Advice I'd give you as a fertility doctor if I wasn't afraid to hurt your feelings," Dr Elfaki tackled common misconceptions head-on. She stressed that not having a period when you're not on hormonal birth control is not normal and warrants a doctor's visit. Similarly, she highlighted that periods so heavy or painful they force you to miss work or social events are a red flag for an underlying issue.
Dr Elfaki also clarified a widespread misunderstanding about contraception. "The pill didn't cause your painful or irregular periods. It managed them," she stated, explaining that the original problem often remains once medication stops. She delivered a sobering reminder about the limits of lifestyle, noting that while a healthy routine is vital, it cannot override the significant impact of age on fertility. Her final, empowering point from this set urged patients to trust their instincts: "Doctors don't know everything. If you feel dismissed, get a second opinion."
Lifestyle, Timing, and Protecting Your Fertility
The doctor's second video addressed lifestyle factors with unflinching honesty. She identified smoking as one of the worst things you can do for fertility, damaging both egg and sperm quality. She extended this warning to vaping, questioning if the risk is worth taking given the lack of long-term data. Crucially, she pointed out that smoking can invalidate eligibility for NHS-funded IVF treatment.
In a move that may surprise many, Dr Elfaki advised against delaying fertility treatment for extensive dietary overhauls. "The evidence isn't strong enough to support that kind of delay, and time is more important," she cautioned, emphasising the urgency for many couples. She concluded with a critical public health message: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect future fertility, so using a condom is essential.
Societal Pressures and Proactive Family Planning
In her final video, Dr Elfaki broadened her focus to societal attitudes and modern family planning. She made a plea to stop asking women when they are going to have children, firmly stating that it is a private matter. She advocated for being proactive, suggesting that freezing eggs at a younger age provides more options later in life.
She also highlighted alternative paths to parenthood, noting that it is possible to have a child without a male partner, even if it differs from traditional plans. While acknowledging that some employers offer egg-freezing benefits, she reminded viewers that a company's priority is not their personal life. Her overarching advice was to decide what is personally important and take proactive steps, whether that means freezing eggs or quitting smoking.
According to the NHS, around one in seven couples in the UK have difficulty conceiving. The health service recommends seeing a GP after a year of trying without success. For women aged 36 and over, or those already aware of potential fertility issues, seeking help sooner is advised. Understanding the types of infertility is also key:
- Primary infertility: When a person who has never conceived has trouble getting pregnant.
- Secondary infertility: When a person who has previously been pregnant has difficulty conceiving again.
Key risk factors include age, weight, STIs, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Stress and environmental factors like exposure to certain chemicals can also play a significant role, particularly in male fertility.
