Are you ready to take steps to improve your fertility and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy? Or are you simply looking to learn more now so you can be prepared for the future?
Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
We want you to know that conversations about fertility can happen now, regardless of your timeline. Learning about fertility early can be an empowering and even exciting step.
What is the right age to start asking questions about fertility?
Fertility changes over time, and most people don’t get much information about it until they’re already trying. The earlier you start learning about fertility and how it works, the more options you’ll preserve for the future. Together, this all means that you’ll be better prepared when it’s time to start trying.
Many providers recommend that you start thinking about fertility at age 25. But don’t worry. That’s not a literal deadline. It’s just a good time to check in and ask yourself what you think about having a child one day.
Consider this: 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility, so anything you learn early could reduce the need for medical interventions later.
Think of a fertility check-in like a cholesterol or blood pressure check, two important tests typically done at your annual check-up. You’re not signing up for treatment. You’re just learning where you stand. And, if you do want kids one day, this is a time you could ask your doctor if there is anything else you could be doing now to prepare for later, like undergoing a fertility test or changing any other habits like sleep, nutrition or fitness that play a meaningful role in hormone health and future fertility.
The decision to pursue parenthood is sacred. It’s smart to equip yourself with information to bring your dream to reality when you’re ready.
Explore Early Fertility Testing with Onto Insight
Early testing is simple with the Onto Insight program, our early fertility testing program designed for individuals who want a clearer understanding of their reproductive health.
- For people with ovaries: Insight testing includes bloodwork to evaluate important reproductive hormones such as AMH, FSH and LH, along with a transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve and antral follicle count.
- For people with sperm: Insight testing includes a comprehensive semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, movement and overall reproductive health.
Together, these evaluations provide a clearer picture of fertility potential today and help guide thoughtful planning for the future. Some people find the info reassuring. Others prefer to wait. Either is fine. The decision is completely up to you.
What Happens After Testing?
You’ll review the results with a provider, talk through what they mean for you and decide on the next steps (if any). Some people check in again later. Some explore preservation. Some simply keep the information and move on.
How Fertility Changes with Age (the Basics)
Here’s the big picture:
- For people with ovaries: Fertility gradually declines starting in the late 20s and more noticeably after 35.
- For people with sperm: Sperm quality can also change with age, especially after 40.
These age guidelines are merely general trends, not predictions about you. Testing helps tailor the information to you and equips you to pursue your dreams on your own terms. Now that’s empowering!
There’s No Single Path to Building a Family
Families are built in many ways.
For individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, your path might include donor sperm, reciprocal IVF, gestational carriers or fertility preservation. If this is you, we want you to feel confident that we are here for you, no matter the situation. Talk to your provider to see what steps (if any) you can take now. What matters most is that the conversation is inclusive, affirming and centered on your goals.
The Bottom Line
Learning about your fertility now can give you more time, more choices and fewer surprises later, whether parenthood is a definite goal, a maybe or something you’re still figuring out.
And if you’re curious or have questions, we’re always here to talk.
