Meet Sophie Howe, our Editor for WHEN Matters. When Sophie realised she wanted to learn more about her fertility health, she thought that she wouldn't be taken seriously. As a woman in her 30s, it's common to think about family planning goals. But the problem was that she didn't know what those goals were, or if she even had any yet.
A few years later, she decided to visit a healthcare professional to check her egg count. Despite feeling anxious about being judged or coerced into making a decision that she wasn’t ready to make, her experience turned out to be quite the opposite. Taking a proactive approach towards her fertility ultimately gave her comfort and reassurance, regardless of her future plans.
Discover Sophie’s journey in navigating uncertainty on her fertility journey and exploring her options.
When did you start thinking about your fertility?
"When I turned 31, I started to become conscious of my fertility. I had never thought about it before, as I was uncertain if I wanted to have a family or not – and I’m still not sure. However, being in my thirties, I wanted to know more about my fertility health, just in case I decided to have children someday. I wanted to be prepared and keep my options open regardless of my decision."
What were your expectations before embarking on your fertility journey?
"I must admit, I was uncertain about what to expect. After hearing from a few friends and friends of friends that they had decided to freeze their eggs, I decided to make an appointment with my gynaecologist to discuss if this was something I should consider. When I arrived, I wasn't sure what I was walking into. I put all my cards on the table and asked for her professional advice."
Medical Note: Seeking professional advice from a gynaecologist or fertility specialist is a proactive step towards gaining clarity and understanding about fertility options and potential interventions.
What did your fertility journey look like?
"I gained a lot of knowledge during my initial appointment with my gynaecologist. She asked me several questions, including how many children I might want if I decided to start a family. Based on that information, we discussed the tests she recommended, what to anticipate, and a rough estimate of what my options might be. After that, I underwent an AMH test and a pelvic ultrasound to investigate my ovarian reserve.
I had a follow-up appointment to discuss my results. My AMH levels were within the normal range for my age, so my doctor and I decided to continue to monitor them. If I wasn't sure about having a child or wasn't ready yet, I could consider freezing my eggs in a few years."
Medical Note: An ultrasound is used to assess the pelvic anatomy such as the uterus, uterine lining and ovaries. The pelvic ultrasound may be performed alongside an AMH test to provide additional information about a person’s ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health.
What was the most surprising thing that happened to you during this time?
“Initially, I was afraid of being judged for wanting to explore my fertility health because I was unsure about having children. I was also worried about being pressured into considering conceiving as I am in my thirties. But, to my surprise, the opposite happened.
My gynaecologist was very encouraging and supportive. They provided me with all the information that I needed to make informed decisions about my fertility health without any pressure to make any big decisions before I was ready. I felt empowered and confident in supporting my future plans, whatever they may be."
What was the best thing that happened to you during this time?
“During my fertility journey, my boyfriend and I had some serious conversations about our future together. As it turns out, we’re completely on the same page. We discussed what we wanted in life and what our future could look like. We agreed that if either of us felt differently at any point, we would talk it through with each other. We now have a clear understanding of what our fertility journey may look like, and we have set a rough timeline for when we need to have another serious conversation. This has given me a sense of relief in my relationship that I didn't know I needed.”
What do you feel is the biggest misconception surrounding fertility?
“That you should only consider your fertility health when you're ready to conceive. I wish that there were more discussions about the benefits of learning about your body, regardless of your plans for having children. It’s so empowering to have an understanding of your fertility health."
Medical Note: Encouraging discussions and education about fertility health regardless of immediate family planning fosters informed decision-making and proactive health management.
What was the most helpful thing you did for yourself during this time?
"I found a healthcare professional who specialises in fertility and is open to discussing my fertility journey without judgement. This was incredibly helpful as I was able to talk freely about my uncertainty surrounding my family planning goals and explore my options."
What is the one piece of advice you'd give to anyone who hasn’t yet gone down their own fertility path?
"Regardless of whether you have plans of having children or not, I believe that having knowledge about your fertility health is extremely beneficial. Even if it is only for the sake of your mental peace, it’s helpful to have an understanding of your egg count. This knowledge has allowed me to be prepared for whatever fertility journey my future holds."
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. You should speak with a medical professional if you wish to assess your fertility and before making any decisions about healthcare, including contraception.
