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We Surveyed Our Customers About Fertility—Here Are the 10 Things They Wish They Knew Sooner

When it comes to fertility, most people assume they’ll figure things out when the time comes. But what if there were things you should know long before you even start trying?

We surveyed our customers—men and women at different stages of their fertility journeys—to find out the biggest surprises they encountered along the way. Some thought they had plenty of time. Others didn’t realize how everyday habits could be affecting their chances. And some were shocked by the things no one had ever told them.

From unexpected sperm killers to the hidden effects of birth control, here are the top 10 fertility facts people wish they had known sooner—plus what they would have done differently.

1. "I thought I had plenty of time—no one told me egg and sperm quality drop in your 20s."

  • How they found out: “I assumed my eggs were fine until I went off birth control at 34 and struggled to conceive. I had no idea that fertility starts declining way earlier.”
  • What they could have done: Tested key fertility markers like AMH (for egg reserve) and sperm motility earlier to be proactive instead of reactive.

Reality check: While fertility decline is gradual, egg and sperm quality are at their peak in your 20s. By 35, it gets significantly harder for women to conceive, and by 40, sperm DNA fragmentation increases in men.

2. "My husband had no clue that sperm counts have dropped 50% in the last 40 years."

  • How they found out: “We assumed fertility struggles were my issue until my husband got a sperm test. Turns out, his count was shockingly low.”
  • What they could have done: Taken a male prenatal supplement earlier and focused on diet and lifestyle to support sperm production.

The takeaway? Men aren’t immune to fertility struggles. The modern lifestyle—stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and environmental toxins—is a huge factor.

3. "I didn’t realize birth control could mask fertility issues for years."

  • How they found out: “I had no idea I had PCOS because my birth control made my periods ‘normal.’ When I stopped taking it, my cycle disappeared.”
  • What they could have done: Used ovulation tracking methods and hormone testing while still on birth control to understand underlying health conditions.

Key insight: Birth control doesn’t fix cycle issues—it just suppresses them. If you plan to conceive in the next few years, get to know your cycle sooner rather than later.

4. "I thought my periods were regular, so I must be ovulating—turns out, I wasn’t."

  • How they found out: “I tracked my cycles religiously but never actually checked for ovulation. A year later, I learned I wasn’t ovulating at all.”
  • What they could have done: Used ovulation test kits and confirmed with progesterone bloodwork.

Surprising fact: A regular cycle doesn’t always mean you’re ovulating. And without ovulation, pregnancy is impossible.

5. "My OB never mentioned that testosterone supplements can shut down sperm production."

  • How they found out: “My husband was taking testosterone boosters for the gym, thinking they would help with fertility. Turns out, they actually stopped his body from producing sperm.”
  • What they could have done: Avoided synthetic testosterone and focused on natural ways to boost levels—like targeted supplementation, stress management, and sleep.

6. "I had no idea that stress could actually stop ovulation."

  • How they found out: “Work was crazy, and I missed my period for two months. Turns out, stress was shutting down my ovulation.”
  • What they could have done: Prioritized stress management techniques like meditation, therapy, or light movement to keep hormone levels balanced.

The science: Chronic stress increases cortisol, which disrupts ovulation and lowers testosterone, making conception harder for both partners.

7. "I had no idea some prescription medications can impact fertility."

  • How they found out: “I had been taking antidepressants for years. My doctor never mentioned that certain meds can affect ovulation, sperm count, and even embryo implantation.”
  • What they could have done: Reviewed their medications with a doctor and looked into fertility-friendly alternatives before trying to conceive.

The reality: Certain antidepressants, hormonal treatments, blood pressure medications, and even antihistamines can impact fertility. If you're planning for a baby, it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider about potential alternatives.

8. "No one told me that gut health affects fertility."

  • How they found out: “My fertility nutritionist explained that poor gut health can lead to hormone imbalances and inflammation—making it harder to conceive.”
  • What they could have done: Focused on gut-friendly foods, probiotics, and fiber to support a healthy microbiome.

9. "I was shocked to learn that vitamin deficiencies can make or break fertility."

  • How they found out: “I always thought I ate a healthy diet, but a blood test showed I was severely low in vitamin D, B12, and choline—all crucial for conception.”
  • What they could have done: Started a high-quality prenatal supplement with bioavailable nutrients earlier, instead of assuming diet alone was enough.

Key insight: Nutrient gaps are common, even in healthy eaters. Choline, methylated folate, and vitamin D are especially critical for reproductive health.

10. "Your dad’s age when you were conceived can impact your fertility."

  • How they found out: “A genetic counselor told me that men born to older fathers often have lower sperm counts themselves.”
  • What they could have done: While you can’t change your parents, knowing your fertility history helps you make informed decisions about testing and preservation.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Your fertility health is a reflection of your overall health. And the best time to start caring about it isn’t when you’re actively trying to conceive—it’s before you even think about it.

Whether you’re years away from starting a family or actively trying, there are things you can do today to optimize fertility:

✅ Get tested early (AMH for women, semen analysis for men)
✅ Take high-quality, science-backed fertility supplements like Beli for Women and Men
✅ Support overall health with sleep, stress management, and a nutrient-rich diet
✅ Ditch myths—fertility is a both partners issue, not just a "female problem"

Fertility isn’t something you should leave to chance. If you’re planning for the future, start now. Your body—and your future self—will thank you.

Additional Resources

The truth is, you don’t need a medical degree to become an expert in your own reproductive health. By understanding your body, making informed lifestyle choices, and taking proactive steps, you can significantly improve your chances of conception.

Read More

Most births occur between June and early November. Count back nine months, and you’ll see that places most conceptions in the fall and winter. So what’s the deal? Is it the cold weather, all the festivities, or something else driving us between the sheets? That ugly sweater is pretty cute, but you can chalk this up to reproductive seasonality. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and what to do to use it to your advantage.

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Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

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Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

The truth is, you don’t need a medical degree to become an expert in your own reproductive health. By understanding your body, making informed lifestyle choices, and taking proactive steps, you can significantly improve your chances of conception.

Read More

Many men overlook how crucial sperm health is until it's too late. Red flag statements can signal poor sperm quality. Whether trying to conceive or maintaining health, recognizing these signs early can impact your fertility and well-being.

Read More

Fall is not just a time for pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather; it’s also an opportunity to optimize fertility, particularly for men. Cooler temperatures naturally benefit sperm health, while Beli for Men provides the essential nutrients needed to take those benefits even further. 

Read More

Miscarriage is a complex issue, and while sperm health is just one factor, it's a crucial one. By understanding the statistics and research surrounding miscarriage and sperm health, couples can take proactive steps to improve fertility outcomes. Beli Vitality for Men offers a comprehensive fertility supplement solution, supported by industry research and designed to improve sperm health. By combining Beli Vitality with healthy lifestyle choices, couples can optimize their fertility journey and increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

The summer heat really can have a temporary effect on male fertility, so doing what you can to keep cool, especially if the goal is becoming a dad, is really important. Here are tips to keep you and the boys cool this summer.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

When the plan is a baby, but you’re having a hard time conceiving, it’s normal to start wondering why. While there can be a number of issues in play, one tends to be overlooked: sleep quality. Specifically, men who have the sleep disorder sleep apnea could be at greater risk of fertility issues. Now, new research is drawing a more definitive link between sleep apnea and male fertility. Let’s review.

Read More

Fact: You can’t look at a guy—or eyeball his semen sample, for that matter—and determine his fertility. It just doesn’t work that way. The only way to truly assess sperm health is with a semen analysis. But there are a few lifestyle choices and truths that may indicate whether a man’s sperm is healthy and happy. 

Read More

While it’s lumped into the “bodily fluid” category, semen is a complex cocktail of compounds designed to support fertility. Like sperm quality, semen health can be influenced by lifestyle factors—an important realization for couples trying to conceive. From color to consistency, here’s what healthy semen looks like.

Read More

There’s a lot of chatter when it comes to male masturbation and what it says about a man’s fertility or whether it’s an issue when a couple is actively trying to conceive. And in the interest of clearing up the confusion, we’re taking a facts-based approach to the topic of men, masturbation and fertility.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

The truth is, you don’t need a medical degree to become an expert in your own reproductive health. By understanding your body, making informed lifestyle choices, and taking proactive steps, you can significantly improve your chances of conception.

Read More

If you’re noticing any of these signs, the good news is that it’s simple to make changes. Switching to a high-quality prenatal like Beli's Prenatal—one formulated with chelated minerals, methylated B vitamins, 400 mg of choline, and vegan vitamin D3—can make a world of difference. 

Read More

Egg quantity and quality are critical aspect of our reproductive well-being. By understanding the ideal number of eggs at various ages, why egg quality and quantity matter, and how to nurture and improve egg health, we can make informed decisions about our fertility and overall health.

Read More

The long, lazy days of summer aren’t just prime vacation days. Summer could actually be an especially fertile season, which may be of interest to couples who are interested in starting a family. If you’re angling for parenthood this summer, here’s what to know about the season of fertility.

Read More

If you’re no stranger to the telltale signs of seasonal allergies—sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, irritated eyes, the works—you’re likely familiar with antihistamines. When you’re actively trying to conceive, there’s more to understand about histamines, seasonal allergies and how it affects your fertility.

Read More

Choline is an overlooked essential nutrient in many prenatal vitamin formulas, and it's a major oversight. Here at Beli, we've been sounding the alarm for years and it's gratifying to see that the market is beginning to catch up. That's thanks in part to articles like "The 7 Best Choline Supplements for Pregnancy, According to a Prenatal Dietitian" from Parents. Spoiler: Beli for Women made the list.

Read More

While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, natural supplements like inositol that are included in Beli Preconception Boost offer a beacon of hope. Inositol's ability to improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and ovulatory function makes it a valuable tool in the PCOS management toolkit. 

Read More

The concern that hormonal contraception affects future fertility is making the rounds on social media again. But research continues to show that all that worry is for naught. While birth control doesn’t cause long-term fertility issues, it can mask them by creating an artificial cycle—something that’s important to understand.

Read More

For many of us, our twenties and even thirties are a time when the focus is on pregnancy prevention. And that’s okay! But even when the idea of motherhood is miles away there is tremendous value in understanding your fertility health and what you can do to support it during these young, carefree days.

Read More

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More
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