Love, Fertility & Family Planning: How to Have Honest Conversations About Your Future
February is often associated with love, connection, and relationships. With Valentine’s Day as a backdrop, many people naturally begin thinking about the future, including family planning and fertility.
Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or simply discussing what life might look like down the road, having open conversations about fertility can help you and your partner feel more informed, aligned, and supported.
At Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, we believe fertility conversations shouldn’t start only when there’s a problem. Proactive discussions and early education can play an important role in family planning at any stage.
Talking to Your Partner About Fertility Goals
Conversations about fertility don’t need to happen all at once, and they don’t need to come with firm decisions attached. A good place to start is simply understanding each other’s perspectives.
If you have a partner, some topics you may want to explore together include:
- Whether you want children, and how many
- When you imagine starting or growing your family
- How far apart you might want children
- Career, financial, or health factors that may influence timing
Approaching these discussions with curiosity rather than pressure can help keep them productive and supportive. It’s also normal for fertility goals to evolve as circumstances change.
What If You’re Not on the Same Page?
It’s very common for partners to have different timelines or feelings about family planning. One person may feel ready now, while the other may need more time or reassurance.
- If you’re finding it difficult to align:
- Focus on listening rather than convincing
- Acknowledge each other’s concerns as valid
- Look for shared values, even if timelines differ
For many couples, having factual information can help move the conversation forward. Understanding how fertility changes with age, and what options exist, often makes these conversations feel less emotional and more grounded.
When Does It Make Sense to Seek Fertility Testing Together?
Fertility testing isn’t only for those who have been trying to conceive for a long time. Many individuals and couples choose to explore testing early as part of proactive family planning.
You may consider fertility testing if:
- One or both partners have known medical conditions
- You’ve experienced irregular menstrual cycles or pregnancy loss
- You want baseline information to support decision-making
A fertility assessment can provide insight into hormone levels, ovarian reserve, sperm health, and overall reproductive wellness.
If you wish to explore more about fertility testing, click the links below.
What Is Fertility Testing and What Does It Tell You?
www.pacificfertility.ca/blog/what-is-fertility-testing
Fertility Assessment at PCRM
www.pacificfertility.ca/fertility-assessment
Exploring Options If Timing Isn’t Clear
Sometimes fertility conversations reveal uncertainty, not about whether you want children, but when. In these situations, learning about available options can help couples feel more in control of their planning.
Egg Freezing as a Planning Tool
For individuals who wish to delay pregnancy for personal, career, or health reasons, egg freezing can be an option to preserve fertility while keeping future choices open.
If you wish to learn more, read: What Is Egg Freezing and How Does It Work?
www.pacificfertility.ca/blog/what-is-egg-freezing-and-how-does-it-work
Egg freezing is not about pressure or urgency; it’s about information and options.
When to Talk About IVF or Treatment Options
For some couples, conversations about family planning include discussions around fertility treatment, especially if there have already been challenges or known medical factors.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be discussed if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive without success
- There are known issues with ovulation, sperm health, or fallopian tubes
- Genetic considerations are part of your planning
- Previous treatments have not been successful
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to move from conversation to clarity, our team is here to support you. Ask your general practitioner for a referral to PCRM and start your family planning journey.
Learn More About Proactive Fertility Planning
www.pacificfertility.ca/services
Starting these conversations now, and having access to trusted information, can help you feel more confident about the future you’re building together.
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.