Understanding female fertility is key for anyone planning to start or grow their family.
By knowing when you are most fertile and recognising early signs of infertility, you can take control of your fertility journey.
In this guide, we will explore the best time to conceive, how many eggs you have, how to test for fertility, and common causes of infertility.
On this page:
Understanding the relationship between your menstrual cycle and fertility
When is the best time to have a baby?
Fertility: how many eggs does a woman have?
How do you test for female fertility?
What is secondary infertility?
Why can’t I get pregnant? Common causes of female infertility
When it comes to the number and quality of eggs, women are most fertile in their late teens to late 20s. Fertility gradually starts to decline after 30 and drops more quickly after 35.
If we are talking about your monthly cycle, the most fertile time is a really short period known as the “fertile window.” This window lasts just 12-24 hours after ovulation. Because of this, timing is key when you are trying to conceive.
Your fertility is closely linked to your menstrual cycle, which can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days.
Ovulation happens when your ovary releases a mature egg, typically around 14 days before your next period.
However, this timing can vary. For example, if your cycle is 28 days, you might ovulate on day 14, but shorter or longer cycles mean ovulation can happen earlier or later.
Many people do not realise how small the fertile window actually is. The egg only survives for 12-24 hours after ovulation, so timing is key. Since sperm can live in your body for up to 5 days, your most fertile days are the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
The days leading up to ovulation and the day you ovulate are often referred to as the “fertile window.”
Ovulation tests can help you pinpoint when you are about to ovulate, making it easier to predict your peak fertility.
Recognising the signs of ovulation can help you identify when you are most fertile:
The best time to have a baby depends on you—your health, lifestyle, and plans.
Biologically, women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s, but lots of women today are waiting. Whether you want to focus on your career, see the world, or get financially ready, delaying pregnancy is totally normal.
Getting pregnant later can be trickier, but many women have healthy babies in their late 30s or early 40s. If needed, medical support is available to help make it happen.
If you are thinking about having kids later, egg freezing could be worth considering. Freezing your eggs while you are still in your most fertile years means you can use them when you are ready. A lot of women are choosing this option to give themselves more flexibility and peace of mind.
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. At birth, you have about 1-2 million eggs, but this number goes down as you get older.
This natural decline is part of getting older, but if you are curious about your current egg reserve, fertility tests can give you a clearer picture.
Fertility tests can help spot any issues and guide the right treatment. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, these tests could be the key to understanding what’s going on with your reproductive health.
Blood tests: Check hormone levels, including:
Other tests include:
These tests work together to give a clearer picture of your fertility health and help doctors suggest the right treatments if needed.
If you are having trouble conceiving, it is important to know what to watch out for. Many women only discover fertility issues after trying to get pregnant for a while.
If you’ve been trying for over 12 months without success, it’s time to speak to a fertility specialist. But if you’re 35 or older, don’t wait that long! Get help after 6 months of trying as early intervention can make a big difference. And if you’re over 40, it’s best to talk to a specialist as soon as you start planning for a baby.
No matter how long you’ve been trying, it’s important to get help right away if you experience any of the symptoms below:
Secondary infertility happens when you have trouble getting pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy. It can be caused by age, changes in health, or lifestyle factors. If this is happening to you, it is a good idea to speak to a fertility specialist to explore the cause and possible options.
There are many possible reasons why a woman may struggle to conceive. Understanding these causes can help in diagnosing and addressing the issue.
As mentioned before, as you age, the number of viable eggs in your ovaries naturally decreases. This decline starts in your late 20s and speeds up after 35. By 40, both the number and quality of eggs are lower, which can make it harder to conceive and increases the chances of miscarriage.
When ovulation is irregular or doesn’t happen at all, it can be difficult to get pregnant. Common causes of ovulation problems include:
If your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, the egg and sperm can’t meet for fertilisation. Some reasons for blockages include:
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of your womb grows outside it. This can cause inflammation, scarring, and pain, and it can make it harder for the egg to reach the womb or implant.
Certain structural issues in your uterus can prevent a fertilised egg from implanting or carrying a pregnancy to term. Common issues include:
Some women are born with abnormalities, like a bicornuate or septate uterus, that can interfere with conception or cause miscarriages. Some of these require intervention, while in other cases it is not needed.
Chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic conditions can affect fertility. For example, Turner syndrome and genetic disorders related to egg development can make getting pregnant harder.
In some cases, your immune system can attack your reproductive tissues, leading to infertility. Conditions to be aware of include:
If you’re trying to conceive, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your chances.
Knowing when you’re ovulating can make all the difference. You can use ovulation predictor kits, track your basal body temperature, or try fertility apps to figure out your most fertile days.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months (or 6 months if you’re over 35), it’s a good idea to see a fertility specialist. They can help identify any underlying issues and guide you through the next steps.
Understanding your body, spotting early signs of infertility, and getting the right support when needed can make a big difference. Remember, many causes of female infertility are treatable, and with the right help, you have every chance of success.
If you’re worried about your fertility or thinking that it may be time to consider treatment, speak to the experts at Procriar. Book an obligation-free consultation today and get clarity about your fertility health.
