Fertility Score Quiz: Understand the Factors That Affect Your Fertility

By Dr. Ayesha
Last updated: October 2026

Our fertility score quiz is an educational tool that highlights lifestyle and health factors commonly associated with reproductive health. It is not a medical assessment, does not measure fertility, and cannot predict whether you will conceive. Fertility is complex, and only a qualified healthcare provider or fertility specialist can assess your individual situation through a clinical evaluation.

Use the quiz to reflect on general wellbeing factors and to prompt conversations with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your fertility.

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What is fertility and what affects it?

Fertility refers to the ability to conceive a pregnancy. For a pregnancy to occur through sexual intercourse, several biological processes need to work: ovulation must take place, the egg must be fertilized by sperm, the fertilized egg must travel to the uterus, and implantation must occur. A problem at any of these stages can affect the chance of conceiving.

Fertility varies naturally between people and can also change over time for the same person. Age, health conditions, lifestyle, and reproductive anatomy all play a role. Because many of these factors interact, assessing fertility requires a clinical evaluation — not a quiz or a single blood test.

When a couple has been trying to conceive without success, healthcare providers typically recommend an evaluation after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse for those under 35, or after 6 months for those 35 and older. People with known conditions affecting fertility, irregular cycles, or other concerns may be assessed sooner. If you are concerned, speak with your doctor rather than relying on an online tool to guide your next step.

Key factors that influence fertility

Age

Age is one of the most significant influences on fertility, particularly for those who ovulate. The number and quality of eggs decline with age, with changes becoming more pronounced from the mid-thirties onward. This is a biological reality, not a judgment. Sperm quality also declines with age, though generally more gradually.

Age does not make conception impossible for most people in their thirties, but it does mean that time is a more important factor to consider when deciding when to seek fertility advice. If you are over 35 and have been trying for six months without success, a fertility evaluation is a reasonable step. Use our Ovulation Calculator to ensure you are timing intercourse in your fertile window while you wait for an appointment.

Ovulation

Regular ovulation is essential for natural conception. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothalamic dysfunction can disrupt ovulation and reduce the frequency of fertile cycles. Irregular or absent periods can be a sign that ovulation is not occurring regularly — see our article on common causes of irregular periods for more background.

Ovulation can be tracked using basal body temperature charting, cervical mucus observation, or ovulation predictor kits. Our guide on how to track ovulation explains each method. Tracking can help identify whether ovulation appears to be occurring, but it cannot diagnose a cause if it is not.

Weight and body composition

Being significantly underweight or overweight can affect hormone levels and disrupt ovulation. Adipose tissue (body fat) is metabolically active and influences estrogen levels; both low and high levels of body fat can interfere with the hormonal balance needed for regular ovulation. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through sustainable dietary changes and physical activity is generally beneficial for reproductive health, though weight is only one factor among many.

If weight management is a concern, speak with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider rather than following a restrictive diet independently during a time when you are trying to conceive.

Lifestyle factors

Several lifestyle factors have been associated with reproductive health in research:

Smoking: Smoking is associated with reduced fertility in both those who ovulate and those who produce sperm. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can affect egg quality, sperm quality, and reproductive anatomy. Stopping smoking is one of the most evidence-supported steps a person can take to support reproductive health.

Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with fertility problems and pregnancy complications. Moderate consumption during the conception period is also an area of caution, and many clinicians recommend avoiding alcohol when trying to conceive as a precautionary measure.

Caffeine: The evidence on caffeine and fertility is less clear than for smoking or heavy alcohol use. Some guidance suggests moderating caffeine intake when trying to conceive; discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Physical activity: Moderate exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and is not associated with reduced fertility for most people. Very high-intensity exercise combined with low caloric intake can suppress ovulation in some individuals.

Stress: Chronic stress can affect hormonal balance, though its direct impact on fertility is less clear in research. Managing stress through sustainable strategies supports general wellbeing and may support the fertility journey emotionally as well as physically.

Reproductive anatomy

Some fertility challenges relate to structural factors, such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes (often caused by previous infection or endometriosis), uterine abnormalities, or factors affecting sperm transport. These cannot be identified from lifestyle factors or a quiz. A clinical evaluation including blood tests, ultrasound, and where indicated, further investigations can identify structural or anatomical causes.

Endometriosis—a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—affects fertility in some people and is often diagnosed with a delay. If you experience significant period pain, pain during intercourse, or other symptoms described in our article on endometriosis symptoms, discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Sperm health

Fertility is not determined by one partner alone. Sperm health — including count, motility, and morphology — contributes to the likelihood of conception. A semen analysis is a standard part of a fertility evaluation for couples and can identify whether sperm factors are contributing to difficulty conceiving. Sperm quality is influenced by age, health conditions, medications, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

A fertility quiz about one partner’s lifestyle cannot assess sperm health. If a couple has been trying to conceive without success, evaluation of both partners is the standard clinical approach.

When should I seek a fertility evaluation?

Seek advice from a healthcare provider if:

• You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success
• You are 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months without success
• You have irregular, very infrequent, or absent periods
• You have a known condition such as PCOS, endometriosis, or a thyroid disorder
• You have had previous surgery involving your reproductive organs or a history of pelvic infection
• You have received treatment that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiation
• You have concerns about your reproductive health at any time

A fertility evaluation typically involves blood tests to assess hormone levels and ovarian reserve, a pelvic ultrasound, and a semen analysis. Depending on results, further investigations may be recommended. Starting with your general practitioner or obstetrician-gynecologist is usually the first step. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine provides general information about infertility and what to expect from an evaluation.

How to prepare for trying to conceive

If you are planning to start trying to conceive, a few steps may be helpful:

Start taking a folic acid supplement (typically 400 micrograms per day for most people, or a higher dose if recommended by your provider) at least one month before trying to conceive to support early fetal development. A prenatal vitamin can cover this alongside other key nutrients; see our article on best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy.

Review any current medications with your doctor, as some medications are not recommended in pregnancy. Discuss your general health, vaccination status, and any family history of genetic conditions if relevant. If you smoke, getting support to stop is one of the most meaningful steps you can take.

For general timing guidance, use our Ovulation Calculator to estimate your fertile window, and read our guide on the best time to get pregnant for practical advice on timing intercourse.

Frequently asked questions

Can a quiz accurately assess my fertility?

No. A quiz can highlight general lifestyle and health factors, but it cannot measure ovarian reserve, assess reproductive anatomy, evaluate hormones, or examine sperm. Only a clinical evaluation can begin to assess fertility.

Does a high fertility quiz score mean I will get pregnant quickly?

No. A score reflects general lifestyle factors based on your answers. Conception depends on many variables, and people with excellent health can still face fertility challenges, while people with several risk factors can conceive without difficulty.

I have been trying for several months without success. Should I see a doctor?

If you are under 35, the general guideline is to seek evaluation after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. If you are 35 or older, after 6 months. If you have a known condition or specific concern, seek advice sooner. A general practitioner or gynecologist is a good starting point.

Does stress cause infertility?

Significant stress can affect hormonal balance, but the evidence for stress as a direct cause of infertility is not clear. High stress can make trying to conceive more difficult emotionally. If you are finding the process distressing, consider speaking with your doctor or a counselor.

Can lifestyle changes improve fertility?

For some people, changes such as stopping smoking, moderating alcohol, managing weight, and addressing certain health conditions can support reproductive health. The extent of the benefit depends on individual circumstances. Discuss lifestyle factors with a healthcare provider to understand which changes may be most relevant for you.

Medical information notice: This quiz and article are for general educational purposes only. They do not assess, measure, or predict fertility, and they do not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your fertility, consult a qualified healthcare provider or fertility specialist for an individualized evaluation.

External references:

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Infertility — an overview
• World Health Organization (WHO): Infertility