What is Fertility Score Card: A Detailed Guide
March 19, 2025The fertility score card has grown to be a valuable tool for identifying state-by-state differences in support and access, as well as for drawing attention to the urgent need to improve access to medical care and infertility treatments. Fertility score is influenced by numerous complex factors. However, medical experts can evaluate possible indicators to comprehend a woman's reproductive well-being and chances of becoming pregnant.
Although trying to conceive can be enriching, there may be many questions. Although there isn't one clear method to determine a woman's fertility score at home, being aware of different factors can offer helpful insights. Let's examine how these variables affect fertility and how fertility score cards can help you on your path to starting a family.
Understanding Fertility Score Card
The fertility score card is a tool developed by RESOLVE to highlight state-by-state disparities between access to support resources and fertility treatment and to create a conversation among family-building stakeholders that will lead to increased access to fertility treatment.
For both men and women looking to plan for the future and determine their current fertility status, a fertility score is a helpful tool. Although their accuracy varies, fertility score cards provide a helpful evaluation of reproductive potential.
Understanding fertility scores can assist in making well-informed decisions regarding your reproductive future, such as delaying the start of a family or thinking about storing eggs or sperm for later use.
There are several ways to check fertility scores, such as using a home fertility test kit or a fertility clinic, but in order to get the most accurate results, it's important to choose a trustworthy and precise method.
Factors influencing Fertility Score
Fertility levels are influenced by various factors:
Age
As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decreases, making conception more difficult. This decline begins around the late 20s and accelerates after age 35. Advanced maternal age is associated with reduced ovarian reserve, increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs, higher miscarriage rates, and reduced fertility.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) plays a role in fertility. Women who are underweight (BMI less than 18.5) or overweight (BMI more than 24.9) may experience irregular menstrual cycles or problems with ovulation. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance and disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation. Conversely, low body weight can affect hormone production and lead to irregular cycles or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Active Sexual Life (in Months)
A consistent and active sex life increases the chances of conception, especially when it occurs around ovulation. Regular sexual intercourse, ideally every 2-3 days during the menstrual cycle, ensures that sperm are available in the reproductive tract at the time of ovulation.
Tracking ovulation through methods such as ovulation prediction kits or basal body temperature monitoring can help couples optimize timing.
Medical History
Certain medical conditions or treatments can affect fertility. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage the reproductive organs or interfere with egg and sperm production. Genetic disorders can affect the reproductive organs or cause infertility. Diagnosed diseases such as endometriosis, PCOS, or thyroid disease can disrupt the menstrual cycle or affect hormone levels.
Ovulation and Number of Ovulation Days
Ovulation is essential for conception because it releases mature eggs from the ovary for fertilization. Factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, or underlying conditions such as PCOS can disrupt ovulation. The number of days of ovulation in a cycle varies from person to person but generally occurs around mid-cycle. Monitoring ovulation through methods such as tracking the menstrual cycle, changes in cervical mucus, and using ovulation prediction kits can help identify fertile days.
How to Calculate Your Fertility Score?
You can use online fertility calculators to calculate your fertility score, which considers a variety of factors affecting reproductive health. Please provide your best answer to each of the following questions. At the end of the quiz, add up the scores and refer to the scoring table.
- Your age:
- 16-25 = 5 pts.
- 25-29 = 4 pts.
- 30-34 = 3 pts.
- 35-37 = 2 pts.
- 38-40 = 1 pt.
- 41 or older = 0 pts.
Length of the menstrual cycle (from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next, not when using hormonal contraception):
- Regular, between 27-34 days = 3 pts.
- Longish (35-40 days) = 2 pts.
- Short (24-26 days) or unpredictable = 1 pt.
- Never or rarely have periods = 0 pts.
Prior pregnancies:
- 1 or more live births = 3 pts.
- 1 or more than 1 elective pregnancy terminations = 2 pts.
- 1 or more miscarriages = 1 pt.
- Never tried = 1 pt.
- Have tried, not successful = 0 pts.
History of pelvic surgeries:
- No prior surgeries = 3 pts.
- Prior minor surgery on the uterus (D&C, abortion, polyp removal) = 2 pts.
- Previous major surgery on the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries (myomectomy, cyst excision, tubal reconstruction) = 1 pt.
- Removal of an ovary = 0 pts.
(If there are multiple options, choose the most critical surgery that has the lowest point value)
Frequency of sexual intercourse:
- 3 or more times a week =5 pts.
- 1-2 times a week = 4 pts.
- Less than once a week = 2 pts.
- About once a month = 1 pt.
- Never or no partner = 0 pts.
Mother's age at menopause:
- 50 or older = 3 pts.
- 45-50 = 2 pts.
- 40-44 = 1 pt.
- Less than 40 = 0 pts.
History of sexually-transmitted disease:
- No known prior STDs = 3 pts.
- Positive for herpes, HPV, or any other STD apart from Chlamydia or gonorrhea = 2 pts.
- History of exposure to Chlamydia or gonorrhea= 1 pt.
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease = 0 pts.
(if there are multiple options, choose the most severe STD that has the least point value)
Total Score:
- 20-24 = Very fertile
- 15-19 = Chances are pretty good
- 10-14 = Maybe you ought to visit your gynecologist and get some tests completed
- Less than 10 = Probably you need to check a reproductive endocrinologist/infertility specialist.
Conclusion,
The fertility score card is a valuable tool for millennials who want to plan for their reproductive future, take proactive steps to maintain fertility, reduce stress and anxiety, and make informed decisions about their family planning goals. It is ideal for couples hoping and waiting to become parents.
Expand your opportunities with Apollo Fertility's unparalleled expertise, backed by advanced technology and clinical protocols. We consider the emotional well-being of our patients as important as the clinical standards we deliver. With a best-in-class IVF lab, Apollo Fertility delivers top-of-the-line fertility care with a 72% success rate. Contact us or book an appointment today.
