Fertility Care in Your 20's: An Early Start Can Make All the Difference

It’s unlikely that fertility is a top concern for the majority of women in their twenties. More women are delaying starting a family until they are in their thirties or older, and physicians report that 35 is the important age to remember when it relates to fertility – since 35 is when the quality of a woman’s eggs begins to decline more quickly than before.

Since being 35 is as far as 15 years away for women in their twenties, the concerns of someone more than a decade older can seem very far away. This is an unfortunate misconception – fertility care is important at all ages for those who wish to start a family in the future. Women in their twenties should be aware of their fertility just as they are aware of their overall health.

Sexual health is important.

STDs can lead to fertility issues later in life, especially if they are undetected and left untreated. Regular STD testing and proper use of contraceptives is highly encouraged from both a general health standpoint and for your fertility.

Keep bad habits in check.

Obesity, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption have all been known to lead to difficulty conceiving. Not only are these bad habits bad news for your overall health, but they can seriously affect your ability to have a child when you are ready to do so. It’s important to maintain a good BMI, cut out smoking and keep your alcohol intake in moderation if you want to reduce the chances of future fertility issues.

Track menstruation.

It is easier to track your menstrual cycle if you are on birth control. However, if you are not on any type of contraceptive, you will need to begin to actively track your cycle (if you are not already doing so). Having your period each month is one of the simplest indications of fertility, but everyone’s cycle is different. Don’t panic if your cycle doesn’t match up from month to month or if you skip a period every so often – but if you do have concerns about your menstrual cycle and if it could affect fertility, contact your provider in order to discuss your concerns sooner rather than later. If an underlying medical condition exists, your provider will be able to offer early treatment options if one is available.

Fertility care can and should start in a woman’s twenties, but it’s important to remember that the path to healthy fertility is relatively straightforward and should not be a cause for concern regarding your having a baby when you wish to. Some women may even want to consider egg freezing. If you have concerns about your fertility, regardless of your age, speak to your provider or contact Washington Fertility Center to speak with a trained specialist.