Fertility screening is a vital step that many women don’t think about until it’s too late. Starting from your late 20s, it’s important to know where you stand with your fertility. Whether you’re planning to have children soon or much later, fertility screening can provide valuable insight into your reproductive health.
What is Fertility Screening?
Fertility screening involves checking the number of eggs you have left, often referred to as your ovarian reserve. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and over time, both the quantity and quality of these eggs decrease. A simple blood test can reveal important information about your egg count, giving you an idea of how much time you have before your fertility begins to decline.
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Dr. Jody Paige Goh, founder of Taylor, recommends that women start fertility screening as early as their late 20s. The sooner you understand your fertility health, the more control you have over your family planning. This is especially important today, with many women choosing to start their families later in life.
Why Start Fertility Screening Early?
As women delay having children due to careers, education, or other life priorities, understanding your fertility timeline becomes crucial. By the time women reach 35, there is a sharper decline in fertility. While this doesn’t mean that pregnancy is impossible, it does mean that the chances become lower.
Fertility screening helps you be proactive. It gives you a clear picture of how your body is ageing and how your fertility is affected by this. If there are any concerns, such as a low egg count or conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you can make decisions early on about treatments like egg freezing or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Fertility Screening for Women at Higher Risk
Fertility screening is especially important for women who may be at higher risk of subfertility. For example, women who have had ovarian surgery or chemotherapy may have a lower egg count. Additionally, if there is a family history of early menopause, this may indicate that you are more likely to face fertility challenges earlier in life.
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The results of a fertility screening can help women make important decisions about their family planning timeline. If needed, women can consider freezing their eggs at an earlier stage when they are more likely to be higher in quality and quantity.
Fertility Screening for Men
It’s not just women who benefit from fertility screening. Men’s fertility also declines, especially after the age of 40. Sperm quality and quantity can decrease, contributing to fertility struggles. In fact, about half of all fertility challenges are linked to male factors. For this reason, clinics like Taylor offer semen analysis as part of their couple’s fertility screening package.
By understanding both male and female fertility health, couples can better navigate their fertility journey together.
What Happens After Fertility Screening?
Once you’ve gone through fertility screening, your doctor will discuss the results with you. If any fertility issues are identified, you have options. Many women choose to freeze their eggs, which allows them to preserve their fertility for the future. Others may consider IVF or other fertility treatments.
In Singapore, elective egg freezing is now legal for women aged 21 to 37. This gives more women the opportunity to secure their fertility if they’re not ready to have children yet.
Taking Control of Your Fertility Journey
Fertility screening is not just about the here and now—it’s about planning for the future. By knowing your fertility health early on, you can make informed decisions. Clinics like Taylor offer personalised fertility reports, helping women understand how their fertility compares to others in their age group.
Being proactive with fertility screening can give you the peace of mind that you are taking control of your future. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, IVF, or just want to know more about your fertility health, the insights gained from a simple screening can be life-changing.
Final Thoughts
Fertility screening is a simple, effective way to understand your reproductive health. Whether you’re in your late 20s or later, it’s never too early to consider it. By knowing your fertility health, you can plan your family with confidence, taking the necessary steps to secure your future.
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