National Infertility Awareness Week: Why Early Fertility Testing Is Becoming Essential for Young Women

Infertility affects millions of couples in India, yet many young women are unaware of their fertility status until they face difficulties conceiving. With changing lifestyles, delayed marriages, and increasing health issues, early fertility testing is becoming more important than ever. National Infertility Awareness Week, observed from April 20 to 26, 2025, aims to break the silence around infertility and encourage women to understand their reproductive health early on. In India, where nearly 27.5 million couples face infertility, early testing can help women make informed decisions about their future family planning and seek timely treatment if needed.

Why Early Fertility Testing Is Essential for Young Women

In India, many women delay marriage and childbirth due to education, career, or personal choices. However, fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 30. According to Dr Saloni Patil, Consultant, Dr Patil’s IVF and Fertility Clinic, Mumbai, early fertility testing helps identify any issues before they become serious. It can detect conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or low ovarian reserve, which are common causes of female infertility in India.

"Fertility declines after 35 years," said Dr Patil. She further shares that early testing also reduces the emotional stress and financial burden of prolonged infertility treatments later. “Knowing your fertility status early empowers women to plan better and seek help if needed,” she shared. 

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What Tests Are Done to Check Female Fertility?

There are a number of tests that can test a woman's fertility. Our expert, Dr Patil shares fertility tests mainly include AMH, and FSH and LH can also be done to assess a woman's fertility status. Some tests that can be performed to test female fertility are mentioned below.

• Hormone Blood Tests: To test levels of hormones such as FSH, LH, and AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone), which reflect ovarian reserve and ovulation status.
• Ultrasound (Pelvic Scan): To scan the ovaries and uterus to check for cysts, fibroid, endometriosis or any other abnormalities. "Ultrasound can be done both on full bladder and empty bladder depending upon the route of scanning," shared the expert. 
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray examination to see whether the fallopian tubes are open.
• Ovulation Tracking: Observing menstrual cycles or employing ovulation predictor kits to determine if ovulation takes place regularly.

How Can a Female Know If She’s Fertile?

Women may seek out signs like regular periods, normal changes in cervical mucus, and regular ovulation. These signs, however, are not sufficient to establish fertility. A fertility test gives a better indication. Women with irregular periods, pain, or a history of miscarriage need to see a doctor for testing.

A study in India looked at over 54,000 women who came for fertility help. It found that many women in their late 20s and early 30s already had low fertility levels, shown by a hormone called AMH. Nearly 29% of women under 30 and almost half of women aged 30-34 had low AMH. The study also showed that Indian women’s fertility may decline faster than women in other countries. This makes early fertility testing important for young Indian women, especially if they plan to have children later.

Is a Fertility Test Painful?

Most fertility tests are simple and cause little or no pain. Blood tests involve a quick needle prick. Ultrasounds are painless and non-invasive. HSG may cause mild discomfort or cramping during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.

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Can I Test My Fertility at Home?

Although there are some ovulation predictor kits and basal body temperature monitors that can be used at home. These monitors only for ovulation, not overall fertility. Medical assessment and laboratory testing are needed to determine comprehensive fertility. 

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Conclusion

Early fertility testing is becoming crucial for young women in India to know about their reproductive health and plan their families more effectively. National Infertility Awareness Week facilitates frank discussions on fertility and reduces the stigma associated with infertility. If you have fertility concerns, see a healthcare provider early. With early testing and proper advice, many issues of fertility can be dealt with effectively, restoring hope and confidence to women in their reproductive lives.