Your 20s
Fertility is generally at its highest. Most couples who try regularly conceive within a year.
- Egg quantity and quality are usually at their peak for most women.
- It is still worth getting checked if periods are very irregular, painful or absent.
- Building healthy habits now (not smoking, moderate alcohol, a balanced diet) supports long-term fertility.
When to seek help: After 12 months of regular unprotected sex without conceiving, or sooner if you have a known condition.
Options to explore
Early 30s
Fertility begins a gradual decline, but chances of conceiving naturally remain good for most people.
- The decline is slow and varies a lot between individuals.
- A simple AMH blood test and scan can give an idea of ovarian reserve, though not of natural fertility on its own.
- If you want children later, this is a good time to think about egg freezing, as results tend to be better at younger ages.
When to seek help: After 12 months of trying, or sooner if you have irregular cycles, endometriosis, PCOS or other concerns.
Options to explore
Mid to late 30s
Fertility declines more noticeably from around 35, and it may take longer to conceive.
- Egg quality falls, increasing the chance of chromosomal differences and miscarriage.
- Many specialists suggest seeking advice sooner rather than waiting a full year.
- IVF success rates using your own eggs are still reasonable at this age.
When to seek help: After 6 months of trying is a common recommendation from fertility specialists.
Options to explore
Late 30s to early 40s
Natural fertility drops more quickly, and timing becomes an important part of planning.
- IVF success rates with your own eggs fall significantly through this age range.
- Some people consider donor eggs, which are linked to higher success rates as they come from younger donors.
- NHS-funded IVF eligibility is often more limited, so check your local criteria early.
When to seek help: Speak to your GP or a fertility specialist promptly, ideally after 6 months of trying or straight away if you have concerns.
Options to explore
43 and over
Conceiving with your own eggs becomes much less likely, but there are still routes to parenthood.
- Live birth rates using your own eggs are low at this age.
- Donor egg IVF is the most common treatment route, and many clinics have upper age limits.
- Pregnancy at an older age carries higher health risks, so specialist care and checks are important.
When to seek help: Seek specialist advice straight away to understand your options.
Options to explore
What about male fertility?
Age matters for men too. Sperm quality tends to decline gradually from around 40 to 45, which can make conception take longer and slightly increase some risks. A semen analysis is a simple first test for anyone trying to conceive.
Helpful next steps
Frequently asked questions
At what age does fertility start to decline?+
For women, fertility begins to decline gradually in the early 30s and more noticeably from around 35. Everyone is different, so age is only one part of the picture.
Can a test tell me how fertile I am?+
Tests such as AMH and an antral follicle count give an idea of egg reserve and how you might respond to IVF, but they cannot predict whether you will conceive naturally.
When is the best age to freeze my eggs?+
Egg freezing tends to be most effective when eggs are frozen before 35. It does not guarantee a future pregnancy, so talk through realistic expectations with a clinic.
Does this guide replace medical advice?+
No. This guide is general educational information. Please speak to your GP or a fertility specialist about your own situation.
General educational information only, not medical advice. Everyone's fertility is different; please speak to your GP or a fertility specialist.