For previous generations, fertility was often something people only thought about once they had decided it was time to start a family. Today, that mindset is changing.
More people are choosing to have children later in life, prioritising education, careers, financial stability or finding the right partner before starting a family. At the same time, awareness of fertility has never been higher. Social media, celebrity discussions around IVF and egg freezing, and greater access to health information have encouraged many people to ask an important question long before they start trying for a baby:
“What do I actually know about my fertility?”
Whether you’re hoping to conceive in the next few months or simply planning for the future, understanding your reproductive health can help you make informed decisions and identify any potential concerns early.
Why Are People Waiting Longer to Have Children?
The average age of first-time parents has steadily increased over the past few decades. For many, delaying parenthood is a positive choice, allowing time to establish careers, travel, purchase a home or achieve financial security.
However, while our lifestyles have changed, human fertility has not.
Female fertility gradually declines with age, particularly from the mid-30s onwards, as both the number and quality of eggs naturally reduce. Male fertility also changes over time, although the decline is typically more gradual.
This doesn’t mean that pregnancy after 35 is uncommon or impossible—many people conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies later in life. However, understanding how age can influence fertility allows individuals and couples to plan with realistic expectations and seek advice if needed.
Fertility Awareness Is About More Than Age
Although age is one of the biggest factors affecting fertility, it’s far from the only one.
A range of health and lifestyle factors can influence your ability to conceive, including:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
- Previous pelvic infections
- Certain medications
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity or being underweight
- Stress and overall wellbeing
- Male reproductive health and sperm quality
In fact, male factors contribute to around half of all fertility difficulties experienced by couples, highlighting the importance of considering fertility as a shared responsibility rather than solely a women’s health issue.
Can You Check Your Fertility Before Trying for a Baby?
This is one of the most common questions GPs hear.
The answer is yes—but it’s important to understand what fertility testing can and cannot tell you.
A fertility assessment doesn’t predict exactly when you’ll become pregnant or guarantee future fertility. Instead, it provides valuable information about your current reproductive health and identifies any factors that may affect your chances of conceiving.
For some people, the results offer reassurance. For others, they highlight areas where further investigation or lifestyle changes may be beneficial before trying for a baby.
Many people choose to have a fertility assessment because they:
- Are planning to start a family within the next few years
- Have irregular or absent periods
- Have a history of conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis
- Have experienced previous pregnancy loss
- Are considering delaying parenthood
- Simply want a better understanding of their reproductive health
What Can a Fertility Health Check Tell You?
A fertility assessment is designed to build a picture of your overall reproductive health rather than provide a simple yes-or-no answer about fertility.
Depending on your circumstances, investigations may include:
Hormone Testing
Blood tests can assess hormones involved in ovulation and reproductive function. They may also identify conditions affecting fertility, such as thyroid disorders.
Pelvic Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan can provide information about the uterus and ovaries, helping identify conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts or polycystic ovaries.
General Health Assessment
Overall health plays an important role in fertility. Assessing factors such as weight, blood pressure and general wellbeing can identify opportunities to improve your health before pregnancy.
Lifestyle Review
Your GP may discuss smoking, alcohol intake, nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress, all of which can influence reproductive health.
It’s important to remember that fertility testing has limitations. A normal assessment cannot guarantee pregnancy, just as an abnormal result doesn’t necessarily mean pregnancy won’t happen naturally. Results should always be interpreted in the context of your medical history and future plans.
Family Planning Isn’t Just About Contraception
When people hear the term family planning, they often think only about preventing pregnancy.
In reality, family planning is about supporting people to make informed choices throughout every stage of their reproductive lives.
That might include:
- Choosing a contraceptive method that suits your lifestyle
- Planning when you’d like to have children
- Preparing your body for pregnancy
- Understanding your fertility
- Managing reproductive health conditions
- Accessing specialist advice if conception takes longer than expected
These conversations don’t need to wait until you’re actively trying for a baby. Speaking to a GP before pregnancy can help optimise your health and answer any questions you may have about your future plans.
Preparing Your Health Before Pregnancy
If you’re thinking about trying for a baby within the next year, there are several simple steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy.
These include:
- Taking folic acid before conception
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Stopping smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Managing any long-term medical conditions
- Reviewing your medications with your GP
- Ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date
- Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active
Preconception care isn’t about achieving perfect health—it’s about giving yourself the best possible foundation before pregnancy.
When Should You Speak to a GP?
Not everyone needs fertility testing before trying to conceive.
However, it may be helpful to seek medical advice if you:
- Have irregular or absent periods
- Have been diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis or another reproductive health condition
- Are over 35 and planning your first pregnancy
- Have previously undergone treatment that could affect fertility
- Have concerns about male fertility
- Have experienced recurrent miscarriage
- Want personalised advice before starting a family
Many people also choose to speak to their GP simply for reassurance or to discuss their options for the future.
Supporting Your Fertility Journey
Every fertility journey is unique. While some people conceive quickly, others may benefit from additional support, investigations or lifestyle advice along the way.
At Midland Health, our experienced private GPs offer personalised reproductive healthcare for individuals and couples, whether you’re planning for pregnancy now or simply looking ahead.
Our Fertility Health Check provides a comprehensive assessment of your reproductive health, helping identify factors that may influence fertility and offering tailored recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
We also provide confidential Contraception and Family Planning consultations, supporting patients with everything from choosing the right contraceptive method to preparing for pregnancy when the time feels right.
Whatever stage you’re at, understanding your reproductive health today can help you make informed decisions about tomorrow.
