Fertility MOTs: why knowing earlier can change everything
Some subjects are quietly important. The kind that people often avoid until they feel they have to face them.
Fertility is one of them.
This honest and thought provoking session from Rail Wellbeing Live 2026 shines a light on something many people only start thinking about too late. Through personal stories, medical insight and practical advice, the panel explores why understanding your fertility earlier could make a real difference to the choices you have later in life.
As you watch the session above, here are some of the key themes that stood out.
A simple idea with a big impact
The concept at the heart of this session is straightforward. Know where you stand before you need to.
Jo Sinclair, fertility coach and CEO of Fertility First UK, explains the purpose clearly at the start:
“Many people only discover fertility issues when it’s too late for effective intervention.”
The idea of a fertility MOT is about changing that. Rather than waiting until you are trying for a baby, it encourages people to check their reproductive health earlier, so they can make decisions with more clarity and confidence.
The reality behind the numbers
Early in the session, the scale of the issue becomes clear.
Around one in six couples experience fertility challenges, and treatment can be both time consuming and expensive.
Jag Sinclair shares a sobering insight:
“On average, when having fertility issue, it takes three full IVF cycles to be successful.”
Behind these numbers are real people, often navigating uncertainty, long waiting times and difficult decisions.
The biological clock, explained simply
One of the most eye opening parts of the session is the discussion around age and fertility.
Dr Ajit Gill explains what is often referred to as the biological clock:
“The most fertile period for women is between the age of 21 to 32. Then it starts downhill… after the age of 40, it’s massive downhill.”
She also points out that men are not exempt from these changes:
“Even with the male, the age does play an important factor because the quality of the sperm gets affected.”
It is a reminder that fertility is not just a women’s issue, and that timing matters more than many people realise.
What a fertility MOT actually involves
For something that sounds technical, the process itself is relatively simple.
For women, it typically involves a scan and blood test to assess ovarian reserve. For men, it is usually a semen analysis.
Dr Gill describes it as:
“The assessment of one’s fertility, whether it’s male or a female.”
The real value lies not just in the test, but in the information it provides. Knowing early can open up options, from lifestyle changes to planning ahead or seeking treatment sooner.
The small choices that matter
A theme that runs throughout the session is how everyday habits can affect fertility.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, weight and diet all play a role.
Dr Gill highlights something many people underestimate:
“These simple things can be very effective in achieving conception.”
It is not always about complex treatments. Sometimes, small changes made early can have a meaningful impact.
A very personal story
One of the most powerful moments comes from Shaun Greenaway, a male fertility advocate, who shares his own experience.
He describes the moment he learned he would not be able to have a biological child:
“It’s completely like earth shattering… my life got flipped on its head.”
His story highlights something that is often overlooked. The emotional impact of fertility challenges can be just as significant as the physical side.
He also reflects on the silence many men experience:
“There were no male support groups… it just compounded that feeling of isolation.”
Now, through his work, he is helping others feel less alone.
You are not alone
Across the session, one message comes through again and again.
Fertility struggles can feel isolating, but they are more common than people think. And support does exist, even if it sometimes takes effort to find it.
Shaun puts it simply:
“You’re not alone… you’re not the only man that has ever been through this.”
Creating space for open conversation is a big part of breaking down stigma.
The importance of awareness across communities
The session also touches on the different experiences people may face depending on culture, background and access to care.
There can be added pressure in some communities, and sometimes less opportunity to talk openly about fertility challenges.
Yemi Adegbile explains why creating safe spaces matters:
“Knowing fully well that they’re not alone… it just gives them a bit of a safe place where they can share their stories.”
The message here is that awareness needs to reach everyone, and support should be accessible to all.
The emotional side of the journey
Fertility is not just medical. It is emotional.
Jo Sinclair reflects on her own experience:
“You realise then that you’re on this huge emotional rollercoaster… you’re in situations where you have no control.”
This sense of uncertainty is something many people can relate to. It is why support networks, information and open conversations are so important.
Looking forward with more confidence
So what is the takeaway from this session?
It is not about creating fear or urgency. It is about giving people the information they need to make choices on their own terms.
As Dr Gill sums up, the value of a fertility MOT is simple:
“At least they know.”
And sometimes, knowing is the first step towards feeling more in control of what comes next.
Watch the full session above to hear these stories and insights in full and take a moment to think about what steps you might want to take for your own future.