If you haven’t yet decided to have children but plan to do so, you may find yourself thinking about fertility testing in your 20s and 30s. It’s always good to understand your options for the future.
And even if starting a family is NOT on your mind right now, learning more about your fertility can help you make informed choices later.
The thing is, your reproductive health doesn’t stay the same forever. So, testing can give you a clearer picture of where you stand today – and what to expect tomorrow.
In this article we’ll look at
- Why fertility testing is helpful in your 20s
- How fertility changes after 30
- What to expect from fertility testing
- When you should speak to a fertility specialist
- Some topics to discuss with them
Fertility in Your 20s: Why Fertility Testing Makes Sense
Your 20s are usually when fertility is at its strongest. But not everyone’s body follows the same pattern.
Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, irregular cycles, or even your family history can affect fertility without obvious signs.
It’s also possible that an STD (such as chlamydia) – even without symptoms – is causing inflammation that affects your later fertility.
Smoking, drinking, and drug use, etc., can affect your fertility – and obesity, too, can impact your chances of conception.
However, taking a fertility test for women in their 20s doesn’t imply you’re assuming you have a problem. You’re simply gathering the information you need to plan ahead confidently. This is especially important if you’re thinking about delaying pregnancy for various reasons.
Simple ovarian reserve testing (which looks at how many eggs you’re likely to have left) can be a useful baseline for the future.
And knowing your hormone levels, like AMH, and seeing how your ovaries are functioning can also reassure you that everything is on track. Or perhaps alert you to things you and your doctor can address early and treat successfully.
Fertility After 30: How It Changes and Why That Matters
The truth is, though, that fertility starts to decline as you enter your 30s, more noticeably after 35! That’s why people refer to the “biological clock” ticking down. And it’s worth understanding what that timeline can mean for you.
A fertility assessment in your early 30s can help you see whether your body is following the typical pattern – or if you might need to make different plans.
You might also want to use this information to decide if egg freezing is a good option for you.
If you’re already closer to your late 30s and unsure about your fertility, your provider may also start discussing appropriate fertility treatments for women over 35.
But fertility testing is the first step to deciding what, if anything, you need to do.
How to Test Fertility in a Woman
Fertility testing doesn’t have to be complicated. For most women, it starts with a few simple steps.
Your healthcare provider may recommend bloodwork to check for hormones and markers related to fertility (see here for more detail). But in brief these include:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates egg growth
- Luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation
- Estradiol (E2) critical for appropriate reproductive functioning
- Progesterone levels to check for egg release
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to assess ovarian reserve
- Prolactin levels needed for a regular cycle
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to check for dysfunction
Other tests include a transvaginal ultrasound to check how your ovaries and uterus look and help estimate the number of eggs you might still have.
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) can X-ray your reproductive organs.
Finally, your doctor can examine your uterus through your cervix – hysteroscopy.
Every woman is different, so fertility testing really depends on your symptoms, medical history, and goals.
If you have specific concerns – like irregular periods, a history of endometriosis, or a family history of early menopause – your doctor can help decide what tests make sense for you.
And don’t forget to talk to your partner about fertility tests. Testing male fertility starts with sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm size and shape. It’s good for both of you to know your status!
When You Should Consider Seeing a Fertility Specialist
For most women, an ObGyn or primary care doctor is a good place to start. But there are times when seeing a fertility specialist is the next logical step.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, or if you have known conditions like PCOS, it’s worth asking for a referral.
Even if you’re not actively trying to start a family, your provider may recommend a specialist if your fertility testing results show a lower ovarian reserve than expected. This keeps you informed and your options open.
You can also ask about fertility testing near me to find local options and decide where you feel most comfortable getting tested.
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Fertility Testing
You don’t have to wait until you’re ready to have a baby to bring up the topic of fertility! It’s completely okay to tell your doctor you just want to understand your options and be prepared for the future.
So, at your next visit, you could ask about the tests they recommend for you right now and how often you might need to recheck your levels.
If your results show anything unusual, you can also talk through whether seeing a fertility specialist now or later makes most sense for you.
Fertility testing is simply about giving you more choices.
Whatever your biological timeline looks like, you deserve to know what’s going on with your body so you can plan your next steps with confidence.
Stella Mattina Offers Expert Fertility Testing
If you’re ready to learn more about your fertility in your 20s or 30s, our ObGyns at Stella Mattina are specialists in women’s health.
We have many convenient locations, experienced providers, and a policy of same-day appointments to suit your lifestyle. We also speak Spanish.
Get the answers you need from our easy-to-access healthcare and receive expert support to plan your next steps.
Whether you’re just curious or already thinking about growing your family, our team is here to help you feel confident about your reproductive health whatever your age. Choose your location and let’s talk!
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas
Dr. Gonzalo Venegas has been in practice for over 30 years. He was born in Cotija Michoacán, Mexico. At a young age, he went to Mexico City where he attended medical school and specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. With his heart full of dreams and hoping that one day he could make a difference in the community, he immigrated to the United States in 1983. He finished his education at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Venegas then started his practice in 1984.