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Fertility Awareness: When to Start Thinking About Your Fertility and Future Plans

Why Fertility Awareness Matters

Infertility is more common than many people realize, affecting 1 in 6 Canadian couples. Yet, fertility struggles often come as a shock, especially for those who assume conception will happen naturally when the time is right. Infertility Awareness is about education, preparation, and empowerment—understanding your reproductive health and making informed choices about your future.

Many people don’t think about their fertility until they actively start trying for a baby. But by proactively considering fertility earlier, individuals and couples can make decisions that may help preserve their options and reduce the stress of uncertainty later on.

When Should You Start Thinking About Your Fertility?

While there’s no universal "perfect time" to start thinking about fertility, there are key moments in life when it’s beneficial to assess your reproductive health:

1. Your 20s: Building Awareness

Your 20s are a great time to learn about your fertility and establish healthy habits that can support reproductive health down the road. While most people in this age group are not actively trying to conceive, it’s a good time to:

• Understand your menstrual cycle and ovulation patterns (for those who menstruate).
• Get informed about fertility factors, such as lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and genetics.
• Avoid harmful habits like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and poor diet, which can impact fertility.

2. Your Late 20’s to Early 30s: Planning Ahead

For many people, their 30s bring a stronger focus on careers, relationships, and long-term goals. If you think children may be in your future, this is a good time to:

• Have a conversation with your doctor about fertility, even if you’re not trying to conceive.
• Consider how you envision your completed family down the road and how that fits into your current short and long term plans.’.
• Discuss egg or sperm freezing if parenthood is something you want in the future but aren’t ready for yet.

3. Your Mid 30s: Taking Action

Fertility naturally declines with age, particularly for women. By age 35, egg quantity and quality begin to decline more significantly, and conception may take longer. If you haven’t yet started trying for a family, consider:

• Being proactive about family planning.
• Seeking guidance from a fertility specialist if you have concerns or underlying health conditions.
• Exploring fertility preservation options if you’re unsure about your timeline for parenthood.

When Should You Seek Help for Infertility?

If you’re actively trying to conceive, the general recommendation for seeking medical advice is:

• At any age: If you have irregular periods, a history of reproductive health issues, or known risk factors (such as endometriosis, PCOS, or previous cancer treatments).
• Under 35 years old: If you’ve been trying for one year without success.
• 35 or older: If you’ve been trying for six months without success.

How to Take Control of Your Fertility Future

If you want to be proactive about your fertility, here are some steps to consider:

1. Schedule a Preconception Checkup

A fertility consultation or general reproductive health check-up can help assess your current status and potential risks.

2. Learn About Fertility Testing

While tests like AMH can’t tell you about your natural fertility or whether or not you’re going to need help to conceive, it can tell you about your ovarian reserve, which is helpful is many other ways. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

3. Consider Fertility Preservation

Egg, sperm, or embryo freezing are great options for those who want to preserve fertility for future use. This is especially useful for individuals facing medical treatments that could affect fertility or those who are not ready to start a family yet.

4. Maintain a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle

Diet, exercise, stress management, and avoiding toxins (like smoking and excessive alcohol) can support overall reproductive health.

5. Stay Educated and Informed

Fertility awareness isn’t just for those trying to conceive—it’s part of overall health and wellness. Staying informed about reproductive health, options for fertility treatments, and emerging advancements in reproductive medicine can help you make the best decisions for your future.

Fertility Awareness is about more than just recognizing the struggles of those facing infertility—it’s about empowering individuals and couples to take charge of their reproductive health. By thinking about fertility earlier, making informed decisions, and advocating for accessible fertility care, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to build the family they dream of.

If you have questions about your fertility or are unsure where to start, a conversation with one of PCRM's fertility specialists can provide clarity and guidance for your unique situation. It’s never too early—or too late—to start thinking about your future.

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