Utah has long been known for its large families and high birth rates, but that story is changing fast. According to a recent Newsweek article, Utah has experienced one of the steepest fertility declines in the nation, down 45% in the past fifty years. The state that once led the country in births is now seeing rates fall faster than anywhere else.
There are many reasons for the shift, such as economic pressure, delayed partnerships, and lifestyle changes, but the result is clear: more people are waiting longer to start families.
A recent report from Axios Salt Lake City adds more context. The average age of first-time mothers in Utah is now 29, up from about 26 just two decades ago. That may not sound like much, but in reproductive health, those few years make a difference. Fertility naturally declines with age, and egg quality begins to drop more quickly in the early 30s.
At Wellnest Fertility, we see this trend every day: patients who want options, flexibility, and education before they’re ready to conceive. Many are focused on careers, school, or finding the right time emotionally or financially. What’s missing is accessible, objective medical guidance on what their fertility timeline actually looks like.
Fertility preservation gives people the ability to protect their future fertility potential now and expand their options later. It’s a proactive approach—one that supports life choices rather than forcing rushed decisions.
For women, this can mean egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation), a procedure that retrieves and freezes eggs for later use. For men, it may mean sperm banking. And for couples or individuals undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy, fertility preservation can safeguard the possibility of biological children in the future.
At its core, fertility preservation is about education, timing, and empowerment. Understanding your fertility window early allows you to make informed choices about when, or whether, to start a family.
Our team helps patients explore whether preservation is right for them. That starts with education: hormone testing, ovarian reserve evaluation, and consultations that explain what fertility preservation involves, including success rates, timing, and cost considerations.
For many, the most valuable part is simply understanding what their fertility health looks like today. We also offer:
• Comprehensive fertility assessments and one-on-one counseling
• Personalized plans for egg or sperm preservation
• Support through decision-making: emotional, financial, and medical guidance at each step
• Collaboration with local employers and wellness programs to include fertility preservation in benefits discussions; We appreciate the opportunity to visit your organization to share more about fertility and fertility preservation.
Utah’s fertility story is changing, and so is the conversation around when and how to build a family. For many, fertility preservation isn’t just a medical option; it’s peace of mind.
If you’re curious about your fertility health or want to explore preservation, schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll help you understand your options today so you can plan confidently for tomorrow.
Newsweek – “How the Birth Rate Plunged in One of the U.S.’ Most Fertile States” (https://www.newsweek.com/how-the-birth-rate-plunged-in-one-of-us-most-fertile-states-10855187)
Axios Salt Lake City – “Utah moms are having babies later than ever” (https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/05/07/utah-women-delay-motherhood-birth-older)
Discover compassionate, comprehensive fertility care in Ogden, Utah. Schedule your first consultation or give us a call to learn more about the ways we support your journey to parenthood.