Preconception period in women and men undergoing Assisted Reproduction: A gender approach for reproductive health

•A link between infertility and cardiovascular health exists for both women and men.•Preconception health in men is underestimated.•Couples had a poor preconception health and unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile.•Women showed a closer adherence to Mediterranean diet in comparison to men.•ART offers an opportunity to evaluate cardiovascular profile and lifestyle factors.