Age is the single most important factor in female fertility, says Dr. Tellie Luna-De Guzman of St. Luke’s Medical Center. If you are over 35, then it would be more difficult to conceive. Unless you are feeling any of the symptoms (see photo #1 in the gallery), have regular cycles, have had no previous surgery, and had just gotten married, there should be no cause for worry. But if you suddenly start experiencing pain during menstruation, it may be a sign of endometriosis, Dr. De Guzman cautions.

Browse through the gallery for things to know and do in order to stay fertile.

(First published as “Vital Signs” in the “Better Body” section of Good Housekeeping Philippines’ January-February 2006 issue. Adapted for use in Female Network.)