Taking Steps Today to Support Tomorrow’s Fertility
For many people, fertility isn’t something they think about until they begin trying to start a family. However, protecting your fertility starts long before that moment.
In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first global guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility. The guideline highlights an important message: fertility awareness, early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices all play an important role in protecting reproductive health.
Whether you’re planning a family now or in the future, understanding the factors that influence fertility can help you make informed decisions.
Fertility Is a Shared Responsibility
One of the key messages throughout the WHO guideline is that infertility affects both women and men.
While fertility discussions have traditionally focused on women, male factors contribute to infertility in many couples. Looking after reproductive health is therefore important for everyone.
Factors That Can Affect Fertility
Although not every cause of infertility can be prevented, there are several lifestyle and health factors that may influence fertility.
These include:
- Smoking and vaping
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity or being significantly underweight
- Untreated sexually transmitted infections
- Delaying pregnancy until later reproductive years
- Poorly managed chronic medical conditions
- Exposure to certain environmental or occupational hazards
Making healthy choices today may positively support fertility in the future.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
The WHO also highlights the importance of recognising when something doesn’t seem quite right.
Women should seek medical advice if they experience:
- Very painful periods
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Known conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis
Men should not ignore:
- Previous testicular injury or surgery
- Hormonal concerns
- Sexual health concerns
- Previous infections affecting reproductive health
Early assessment can often provide reassurance or identify conditions that may benefit from treatment.
Fertility Awareness Matters
Understanding how fertility changes with age is another important part of prevention.
While many people are choosing to start families later in life, both female and male fertility naturally change over time. Having open conversations with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Small Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference
Healthy habits support your overall wellbeing and may also benefit reproductive health.
Simple steps include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Prioritising sleep
- Managing stress
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
These habits support both general health and fertility.
When Should You Speak to a Fertility Specialist?
If you have concerns about your fertility, don’t wait until you’ve been struggling for years to seek advice.
Speaking to a fertility specialist early can help identify any underlying concerns, answer your questions, and guide you towards the most appropriate next steps.
Every fertility journey is unique, and early guidance can often provide reassurance and clarity.
Looking Ahead
This article is the first in our new educational series inspired by the latest WHO Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility.
Over the coming months, we’ll explore:
- Understanding fertility investigations
- Common causes of infertility
- Fertility treatment options
- Supporting your emotional wellbeing throughout your fertility journey
Our goal is to provide evidence-based information that empowers you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
If you have questions about your fertility or would like to discuss your journey with a specialist, the team at Midlands Fertility is here to support you with compassionate, personalised care every step of the way.
Book a Consultation
📍 Midlands Fertility & Gynaecology Centre
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 072 704 2394
📧 midlandsfertility@gmail.com
🌐 www.midlandsfertility.co.za