When should you start testing your fertility?

You may not yet know if you want to have children at all, or if you do, you may not know when that might be. Whether you’re busy with your career, waiting to find the right partner or simply enjoying life as it is, waiting to have children is very common.

But if you have any concerns about waiting and what that might mean for your chances of conceiving, getting a fertility check is a great way to help you prepare for your future.

The ideal age to start testing fertility can vary depending on several factors, including individual circumstances and any existing concerns. However generally speaking, as a woman, the best age to start testing your fertility is between 28 and 35 years old.

Why should you get a fertility check in your late twenties/early thirties?

From your late twenties, fertility starts to decline. Taking a fertility test sooner rather than later can help you to understand your fertility status, know your options and make informed decisions about when to start a family.

If you aren’t ready to have children yet, positive results can give you peace of mind. Knowing that you’re in good reproductive health will put your mind at ease until the time is right for you.

On the other hand, if your doctor has any concerns about your test results, you have time to make certain lifestyle changes. Factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and stress can all impact your fertility, and by taking a test early on, you have time to resolve those issues before you start trying to conceive.

If your results show signs of any underlying fertility issues, your doctor may recommend medical intervention or treatment. This may include freezing your eggs while you’re at a younger age. Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly popular option for women who want to preserve their fertility and improve their chances of conceiving later on.

What does a fertility test involve?

Our fertility profiling features a series of simple tests to give you a full understanding of your reproductive health.

The tests include:

• Ultrasound scans
• Ovarian reserve tests
• Endometrial health assessments
• Reproductive hormone profiling

The ultrasound scan is an internal scan of the womb and the ovaries. It checks for any polyps, fibroids, cysts or other problems likely to affect fertility, and it also evaluates your Antral Follicle Count to assess your ovarian reserve.

The ovarian reserve test is a simple blood test that measures a hormone known as Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH). The level of AMH in your blood helps us to assess how many eggs you may still have. It also helps to measure how many eggs may be collected during an egg-freezing treatment cycle if you were to choose to go down this route.

Endometrial health assessments check the health and condition of your uterus lining, while reproductive hormone profiling checks the levels of various other hormones responsible for reproduction.

What happens next?

Once all of your tests have been carried out, you will attend a consultation with a fertility specialist. They will discuss your test results and advise you on any lifestyle changes that may be required to improve your health and your fertility.

Should you wish to, the specialist will also be able to discuss your options regarding freezing your eggs, and any future assistance that may be needed to help you conceive.

At LCRH, our friendly team will support you throughout the entire process, ensuring that you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Get in touch to learn more about fertility profiling at LCRH

If you would like to learn more about fertility testing and egg freezing, please do not hesitate to contact the team at LCRH today to make an appointment. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have about fertility, whether you’re almost ready to start a family or you’re putting off your decision for a few more years.