“So, when are you planning to have kids?” It’s a question that seems to pop up for everyone, whether you’re in a serious relationship or happily single. I find myself in the latter camp, feeling a bit of pressure like I should already be a mom. With each passing year, I can’t shake the thought that my window for having kids is narrowing, and it makes me anxious.
What if I wait too long? Working in the fertility field, I have a pretty good grasp of the struggles many face when trying to conceive. While not everyone encounters infertility, about 1 in 8 couples do. The emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments is something no one really expects when dreaming of starting a family.
I Want Kids… Just Not Right Now.
My partner and I had a chat about our family plans before tying the knot. We envisioned having three kids but soon realized that if we wanted them spaced out just right, we’d need to get started sooner rather than later. Picture us sitting outside, munching on tacos and sipping ciders, calculating how old we would be when our kids graduated college. We quickly decided we weren’t ready to dive into baby-making just yet, but the question lingered: would we be able to when the time came?
Three Reasons I Took the Initiative to Test My Fertility:
- Aging and Fertility: With age, the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs can decline, and I was worried about this. Fertility tends to drop more sharply at 35, but it can start much earlier without any warning signs.
- Financial Planning: As my partner and I focused on budgeting and saving for a house and retirement, we realized that preparing for having kids often isn’t included in that plan. It’s a common misconception that getting pregnant won’t cost you anything. Unfortunately, for many couples, that’s not the case.
- Facing Unknowns: Getting my fertility tested meant confronting the big question—can I have a baby when I want to? The thought of low fertility worried me, and I didn’t want to regret waiting too long.
Taking charge of my fertility seemed like the right move. If my results showed low fertility, we could start trying for our first child sooner and make plans for any necessary treatments.
The Testing Process Was Easier Than I Expected
Despite my nerves, the testing process was straightforward. I started with a blood test to check my hormone levels, followed by an antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound. Sure, going in during my cycle felt a bit odd, but the technicians do this all the time, and it was over before I knew it. These two tests can usually be done in one visit.
Afterward, I met with Dr. Sarah Collins, who reviewed my results. I had worked with her professionally before, but seeing her as a patient was a different experience. She was genuinely interested in my concerns and didn’t just rattle off numbers; she engaged in a real conversation about my fertility, and that made all the difference.
What the Results Showed
According to my Ovarian Assessment Report, I fell into the “Good” category for my age. Dr. Collins did mention that my anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was slightly low, but my AFC was strong, indicating excellent fertility overall. She also recommended that if we wanted a big family, we should start trying within the next year.
And if we didn’t start after a year? No worries—she suggested I could come back for more testing to ensure everything was still good.
Now that I have clarity and reassurance, I feel like a weight has been lifted. Knowing where I stand fertility-wise has relieved some of my worries.
If you’re considering your own fertility journey, check out resources like this one on treating infertility for valuable information. Also, for those interested in at-home options, this site offers a great artificial insemination kit that can be a helpful tool during your journey.
Oh, and if you’re curious about conservation and its ties to family planning, take a look at this discussion on the World Wildlife Fund to keep your mind engaged.
Summary
Getting my fertility tested was a proactive step that eased my worries about starting a family. The process was simple, and my results provided clarity about my reproductive health. Knowing where I stand has allowed me to plan for the future without the weight of uncertainty hanging over me.