Most health tests that you come across have some clear age-based guidelines to follow. That’s not the case with fertility testing. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to explore your fertility, it’s okay to feel a bit lost. Your fertility is affected by age, health history, lifestyle, and even your plans for the future. At the same time, understanding your fertility earlier rather than later can be one of the best first steps you can take in your reproductive journey. With that in mind, let’s break down what fertility testing involves and when it is worth doing.

What exactly is fertility testing?

Fertility testing is an assessment that is designed to evaluate your reproductive health and find any factors that can affect your ability to conceive. For women, this usually involves getting hormone blood tests, ovarian reserve assessments, and sometimes imaging studies to examine the reproductive organs. The goal is to give you a clear picture of your reproductive health to help you make wise choices for your health. But unfortunately, it’s not a crystal ball for your future. Yes, it can provide valuable information about your current fertility status, but a woman’s fertility is dynamic and can change over time.

When should you get a fertility test?

When you should get a test for yourself can depend on many different things. Still, certain age factors can help guide your decision. If you are in your early thirties, the good news is that you should give yourself at least 12 months to conceive naturally. When conception doesn’t occur in this time frame, it’s best to get tested.

This time shortens as you enter your mid to late thirties. At that point, it is best to seek a fertility test as soon as possible after six months of trying without success. That being said, even if you don’t fit these age brackets and pregnancy isn’t immediately on your mind, fertility testing can still be incredibly helpful for planning your future.

Now that we’ve discussed age, several other health factors are also worth noting. If your periods are irregular or missing, it’s worth getting a fertility test to see what’s truly going on. Similarly, if you’ve experienced pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or PCOS, a test will tell you if your ability to conceive is at risk. Previous pregnancy complications also matter here. For example, if you have experienced repeated miscarriages or other complications, a fertility test is sure to help identify the culprit and help your doctor prepare a treatment plan.

Finally, your family history also influences when you should get a fertility test. Suppose a close relative of yours experienced early menopause, fertility issues, or genetic conditions. In that case, you may benefit significantly from an early assessment to find out if you might also experience these issues.

What about your partner?

It’s easy to forget your partner in this process, but remember: Male factor infertility makes up nearly 30-40% of fertility issues. So, talk to your partner and ask them to get tested as well. Male fertility testing is generally less invasive than female testing, primarily involving semen analysis to assess things like sperm count, motility, and morphology. However, a comprehensive male fertility assessment may also include hormone testing and physical examination.

How can you best handle a fertility test emotionally?

Understandably, deciding to get a fertility test can be a mentally taxing decision. But it’s important to spin the tale here into a positive one. You can feel anxious about the results or relieved to have more control over your reproductive health instead.

The goal of a fertility test is empowerment, not disempowerment. Accurate information about your fertility status allows you to make informed decisions about your timeline, treatment options, and family planning strategies. Even if the results reveal challenges, identifying these problems early means you get to have more treatment options and preferred outcomes in the future.

Should you go to the NHS or private care?

In the UK, fertility testing is available through both the NHS and private healthcare systems. NHS fertility services are available, but access can vary significantly depending on your location and circumstances. The waiting times for fertility treatment with the NHS can also be exhausting. Not only that, but you may not even get access to all treatments depending on your area.

This has led many couples to opt for private fertility testing instead, which offers several advantages of its own. Going private means faster appointments, thorough testing, and personalised care. So, although private testing involves a slightly higher financial investment, many find the ability to start their fertility journey immediately invaluable for their peace of mind.

Make the decision that’s right for you

Ultimately, the decision of when to get fertility testing must align with your circumstances, concerns, and family planning goals. To reiterate, if you’re experiencing anxiety about your fertility, have specific health concerns, or want to understand your reproductive health better, get a fertility test with zero hesitation. Fertility testing is also just the beginning of understanding your reproductive health. The results can provide valuable information, but they’re most useful when interpreted by healthcare professionals who can help you know what they mean for your specific situation and goals.

It is important to remember that taking control of your fertility journey starts with a complete understanding of your body’s functions. If you’re considering fertility testing, trust your instincts and seek the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your reproductive health and family planning future. A good fertility doctor can not only provide you the right guidance, but also improve your fertility journey by creating a bespoke plan for you and your partner. Ultimately, your decision to start a family relies on multiple factors, some beyond your control, so being hopeful about a positive outcome will always help.