A New Year’s Guide to Taking Control of Your Fertility

You may not give much thought to your fertility until you start thinking about having children. While there’s no one-size-fits-all fertility roadmap, the start of a new year is a good time to take ownership of your reproductive health, whether you’re trying to conceive, you’re considering your future options, or you simply want a better idea of how your body works.

Taking control of your fertility doesn’t mean having all of the answers. It means becoming more informed so you can feel confident and empowered in the choices you make.

As you kick off 2026, our team of fertility and reproductive health experts at CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, has created this New Year’s guide to help you take charge of your fertility. 

Considering your fertility

Fertility is often viewed as either easy or hard, but it falls somewhere in between for most people. Understanding your reproductive health can help you make informed decisions, both now and in the future, and can ease some of the pressure that often comes with uncertainty.

When you know more about your fertility and understand when it may be time to seek expert care, you’re better equipped to advocate for yourself and your health. 

Understand your cycle

The menstrual cycle plays a major role in fertility health and can provide valuable insight into your reproductive well-being. Some women have predictable cycles that come like clockwork, while others experience irregular cycles with weeks or months between periods. 

Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you identify patterns and potential concerns. Note when your period starts, how long it lasts, and any changes you notice over time. An irregular period is a symptom of reproductive conditions that affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. 

Prioritize preventive fertility care

Being proactive about your reproductive health can protect your fertility and support your decision-making process. Staying on top of your annual physical and well-woman exams is an important first step. 

You may even want to schedule a preconception appointment with your OB/GYN. These appointments give you an opportunity to discuss your health history, lifestyle, and the steps you can take now to support a healthy pregnancy in the future, even if pregnancy is still a few years down the line.

Create a fertility-focused lifestyle

Lifestyle habits affect fertility. Create healthy habits that support reproductive health, such as eating a balanced diet, making time for exercise, and finding healthy outlets for stress.

Alcohol use, smoking, and environmental factors can also affect your ability to get pregnant. Research has shown associations between environmental exposures, such as traffic noise, and infertility in women and men over age 37. 

While not all factors are in your control, understanding how your lifestyle choices and environment affect fertility can help you make choices that help you with your short- and long-term health goals.

Set your fertility intentions

Instead of setting a rigid timeline for family building, consider a more flexible and thoughtful approach. Fertility intentions are goals rooted in knowledge, not pressure. They aim to give you the space and clarity that helps you make decisions.

When it comes to taking control of your fertility this year, your intentions might include tracking your menstrual cycle, scheduling your annual well-woman exam, learning about fertility testing, or exploring family building options. 

Whatever intentions you set, make sure they align with your lifestyle, personal values, and long-term plans. Your career, relationships, and personal growth are also important factors to consider on your fertility journey.

It’s important to allow room for flexibility, however. Fertility isn’t linear, and your intentions may evolve as circumstances change. Adjusting your plan when needed can help you stay confident and in control of your reproductive health. 

Fertility is an important part of overall health. No matter where you are on your journey, taking  proactive steps to understand your fertility health can help you take the right action at the right time.

If you have concerns about your fertility or if you’d like help creating a personalized plan, the CARE Fertility team is here for you. We can review your reproductive and health history, talk about your goals, and develop a guide tailored to your needs

Call our office today or request an appointment online to get started.