When to Investigate Fertility

If you are thinking about starting a family, now or in the future, you may be wondering when the right time is to check your fertility. 

Fertility challenges are common, but they are not always obvious. In many cases, early assessment can provide reassurance, identify potential concerns, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Led by globally renowned fertility specialist Professor Tim Child, Child Fertility brings Oxford-trained expertise and evidence-based fertility care, aligned with international best practice  to Saudi Arabia, to help couples understand when to consider fertility testing.

When should you consider a fertility check?

While every journey is deeply personal, medical guidance recommends fertility evaluation if:

• You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 to 12 months or more without pregnancy
• You are under the age of 35 to 39 and have been trying for 6 months 
• You are aged 40 or over and would like guidance before trying, or after 3 to 6 months of trying
• You have irregular, infrequent or absent periods
• You have been diagnosed with a condition that may affect fertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis, or certain hormonal imbalances
• You have experienced two or more  miscarriages
• You are planning to delay pregnancy and want to understand your current fertility status, including ovarian reserve

For men, fertility assessment may be appropriate if:

• You are part of a couple struggling to conceive 
• You have a history of testicular injury, surgery, or undescended testes 
• You have experienced infections that may affect fertility 
• You have been diagnosed with varicocele
• You have concerns about overall reproductive health
• There are known issues with sperm quality or count

Crucially, if you have concerns at any point, expert advice can be sought earlier, you do not need to wait. Fertility investigations are not solely reactive; they can also be proactive. Seeking guidance earlier can help you better understand your options.

Why early fertility assessment matters

Seeking fertility advice  does not mean something is wrong. In many cases, it simply provides peace of mind.

A fertility check may help:

• Identify any underlying issues that may affect conception
• Clarify your current fertility health
• Allow for timely and appropriate treatment if needed
• Improve planning for future family-building options, including natural conception, fertility preservation or assisted reproductive treatments 

What happens during a fertility assessment?

A fertility evaluation is usually straightforward and tailored to your situation.

For women, this may include:

• Medical history review
• Hormone blood tests
• Ultrasound scans to assess reproductive anatomy and ovarian reserve
• Ovulation assessment

For men, this typically involves:

• Medical history review
• Semen analysis to assess sperm count, movement, and shape

Depending on initial findings, additional testing may be recommended, but many patients simply gain reassurance and practical guidance. 

What happens after testing?

Following assessment, your specialist will walk you through your results and discuss your options.

This may include:

• Optimising natural conception through cycle timing 
• Lifestyle adjustments to support fertility
• Further diagnostic investigations 
• Treatment options such as ovulation induction, fertility preservation options, assisted reproductive treatments such as  IVF or ICSI

Should you test before trying to conceive?

Increasingly, many couples are choosing fertility testing before actively trying for pregnancy. 

This can be especially helpful if you are:

• Planning to delay parenthood
• Considering egg freezing
• Seeking greater understanding of your reproductive health
• Building a long-term family plan

Rather than waiting for difficulties to arise, early testing can provide a clearer picture of your current fertility and help guide future decisions with confidence.

Personalised guidance for your fertility journey 

If you are unsure whether it is the right time to investigate fertility, speaking with a specialist can help you make an informed decision.

Whether you are planning ahead or actively trying to conceive, early guidance can provide reassurance and a clear path forward.

At Child Fertility, our team is here to support you with expert care, clear communication, and a compassionate approach at every stage of your journey.