Why understanding your fertility health early matters, and why awareness shouldn’t start too late

When does fertility decline?

A common assumption is that fertility remains stable until later in life, but this isn’t the case.

Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both the quantity and quality naturally decline with age. This decline becomes more significant after the age of 35, with increasing risks of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage.

Conception rates also change over time:

• Around 80% of women aged 30 conceive within a year
• Around 40% at age 40
• Around 10% by age 45

Even with advances in IVF treatment, age remains a key factor, and IVF and other fertility treatments cannot overcome the effects of age and egg quality. 

Recent Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) data shows the chances of having a baby per embryo transferred reduce as we get older:

• 33% chance between ages 18–34
• 9% chance between ages 40–42
• 4% chance between ages 43–50

Therefore, women in their 40s are more likely to need donor eggs to achieve pregnancy.

Does age affect male fertility too?

Although conversations about fertility often focus on women, male fertility is also an important part of the picture. Evidence shows that sperm quality - including genetic integrity - can decline with age, even if more gradually than in women.

A comprehensive understanding of fertility must therefore consider both partners, as male factors contribute to a significant proportion of fertility challenges.

When should fertility education start?

Despite widespread education around contraception, there is still limited focus on fertility education, and how reproductive health evolves over time.
This gap can lead to misconceptions about how long fertility lasts. It can also lead to delayed decisions without full awareness of risks, and increased reliance on fertility treatments later in life.

Improving fertility awareness in schools and better information provided by family planning clinics can help individuals better understand their biological timeline and make proactive choices.

"Many people assume fertility will be there when they need it, but fertility health changes throughout our lives. Understanding your fertility earlier doesn't mean making decisions sooner, it means having the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices when the time is right for you." - Mr James Nicopoullos

How can you check your fertility health?

Understanding your fertility health early can provide valuable insight - even if you are not trying to conceive yet.

Lister Fertility Clinic’s Fit for Fertility health screening tests can put you one step ahead when it comes to your fertility. These fertility checks offer provide reassurance and more time to explore opportunities for early intervention or emotional support.

Fertility tests include:

• Medical history and lifestyle advice
• AMH egg reserve blood tests  
• Ultrasound scans to evaluate reproductive health
• Semen analysis to assess sperm count and quality

In some cases, further tests may be needed depending on personal or family history. Getting this information early can help people decide when to start trying for a family, spot any issues sooner, reduce stress, and keep options open - such as fertility preservation or egg freezing, when it may be most effective.

Why is fertility health awareness important in the long-term?

Today, many people are choosing to delay parenthood for career, financial, or personal reasons. While this is a positive shift, it increases the importance of understanding fertility and age.

Having access to the right information at the earliest stage can support better family planning decisions, provide more realistic expectations about conception, and ultimately give you greater control over your reproductive choices.