When should I consider fertility testing?

The right time to  consider fertility  testing ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and where you are in your family planning journey. There is no right or wrong time to undergo fertility tests; however, taking control of your reproductive health at a younger age may help identify any potential problems  and optimise your chances of getting pregnant in the future.  

A woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility and the  ability to get pregnant, starts to decline. After the age of 35 the decline speeds up. By age 40, the chance of getting pregnant in any monthly cycle is around 5%.

While male fertility does decline with age, many men can still father children into their later years. However, the chances of conception may decrease, and the risk of certain complications may increase.

In general, fertility testing may be appropriate if:

• You simply want to understand your fertility status without progressing on to treatment
• You are considering delaying
• having a family and want to assess your current fertility status
• You have struggled to conceive naturally. This will be more or less relevant depending on your age. 
• You have a family history of fertility problems or early menopause and want to understand if you have been affected 
• You or your partner have undergone cancer treatment or surgery that may have affected your fertility
• You or your partner have a previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• You have a medical history, or are using medication,  that may affect your fertility 
• You are experiencing symptoms that may indicate a fertility issue, such as painful periods, abnormal bleeding, or testicular pain.

If you are concerned about your age and your fertility, or if you just want some peace of mind you may consider having your fertility tested. Your GP or gynaecologist may perform some fertility tests. 

Fertility tests for men and women are also available at pharmacies, online and at fertility clinics.

Why not book a free of charge consultation so that we can discuss your individual circumstances and what, if any,  testing may be appropriate.

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