The New Fertility Worry: Why Women in Their 20s Are Asking "Will I Be Able To?"

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Fertility clinics used to see a fairly predictable pattern: women in their mid-to-late 30s, often already trying to conceive, coming in with questions. That pattern is shifting. Increasingly, the women walking into consultation rooms are in their late twenties - not trying to have a baby, but trying to find out whether they'll be able to when they're ready.

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We spoke to Dr Anita David, Consultant - Gynaecologist, Infertility Specialist, Vaginal & Laparoscopic Surgeon (OBS & Gyn), Cosmetic Gynaecologist - HOSMAT Hospitals, who explained why fertility anxiety is creeping earlier into women's lives, what's genuinely worth worrying about, and what isn't.

A Generation Worrying Before They've Even Started Trying

"I'm seeing more and more women in their late 20s who are not coming in to conceive but because they are concerned about whether they will be able to when the time is right," she said. Some have come across alarming posts about low egg counts on social media. Others have watched friends go through infertility or IVF and are absorbing that fear second-hand - all while juggling careers, relationships and financial pressures, and wondering whether their biological clock is moving faster than their life plans.

According to Dr David, that anxiety isn't baseless, but it does need context. A 2025 Newsweek report found that most Gen Z women report fertility anxiety by the age of 23, with many watching older women struggle with fertility challenges in their 30s and making calculated choices about their reproductive futures as a result. Separately, a 2025 qualitative study of young adults at US reproductive health centres found that fertility worries in this age group often stem from psychosocial factors, including inflated perceptions of how common infertility actually is.

Infertility itself is not a rare or fringe issue - the World Health Organization estimates it affects roughly 1 in 6 people globally at some point in their reproductive lives. But Dr David is clear that age is only one piece of a much bigger picture.

It's Not Just Age - Lifestyle And Metabolic Health Matter Too

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"Age is only one factor; lifestyle and metabolic health are becoming more important for fertility," Dr David said. She's seeing more women being diagnosed earlier with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid disorders and endometriosis - all of which can affect fertility independently of age.

Everyday habits play a role too. Long working hours, chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, heavy alcohol use and a diet heavy in processed food can all affect ovulation and reproductive health. "These alone don't indicate you can't get pregnant, but unchecked they can make it tougher to conceive," Dr David added.

The AMH Myth Worth Retiring

One of the most persistent misconceptions Dr David encounters is around Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing. Many women assume their AMH level is a reliable crystal ball for future fertility, or that fertility falls off a cliff the moment they turn 30.

"Fertility declines gradually with age, but each woman is different," she said. "AMH is simply one factor. It is not to be looked at in isolation." A low or high AMH reading, in other words, tells only part of the story, not the whole one.

What's Fuelling The Fear

The clinical picture Dr David describes lines up with what researchers are finding elsewhere. Surveys show fertility anxiety is rising, particularly among women under 35 - one Modern Fertility survey found 60 per cent of respondents worried about struggling to conceive even before they'd started trying. In contrast, a Maven Clinic report found four in five women experience fertility-related anxiety, with more than three-quarters saying that anxiety has grown in recent years.

Dr David points to social expectations, delayed motherhood and near-constant exposure to fertility content online as key drivers of this earlier worry among women in their twenties and early thirties.

Taking Charge Without The Panic

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Rather than sitting with silent worry, Dr David's advice is practical: look after reproductive health early. That means maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, prioritising sleep and steering clear of smoking. None of these guarantees a particular outcome, but together they support better reproductive health. Irregular periods, significant menstrual pain or symptoms of PCOS, she added, should never be left untreated in the hope they'll resolve on their own.

For women who are deliberately deferring childbearing to their late 30s, whether for career, financial or personal reasons, an early fertility consultation can still be worthwhile. "It's not about rushing into motherhood but knowing their individual reproductive health and making well-informed choices," Dr David said.

Message From The Expert

Dr David said, "My major message to young women is that reproductive understanding is empowering; fertility dread is not. Your age is crucial, but so is your general health, lifestyle and medical history."

"If you have concerns, talk to a qualified gynaecologist, rather than depending on social media or misconceptions. Early guidance provides reassurance, diagnoses treatable problems and empowers women to be confident for the future," she concluded.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.