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.