More than half of Brits would use AI for fertility advice, new survey finds
A third would turn to AI before a GP, but experts warn it could cause delays and anxiety.
Many of us turn to Google at the first sign of a symptom, but new research suggests artificial intelligence is becoming the next stop for health advice, including fertility concerns.
A survey of 2,000 adults has found that more than half of Brits would consider using AI for fertility advice, with a third saying they would try it before speaking to a GP or specialist. However, fertility experts are urging caution, warning that AI tools cannot replace personalised medical care.
More than half would consider AI for fertility advice
According to the poll commissioned by TFP Fertility, 57% of adults said they would consider using artificial intelligence for fertility advice.
Even more striking, 33% said AI would be their first port of call before speaking to a medical professional such as a GP or fertility specialist.
The appeal is clear. Easy access and faster responses were both cited by 30% of respondents as reasons for turning to AI, while 15% said privacy was a key factor.
The findings reflect a wider trend in online health searches, with 30% of people saying they would use search engines for fertility related questions.
For parents and parents to be navigating busy lives, it is easy to see why instant answers feel reassuring. But experts say fertility is far too complex to leave to generic responses.
Why experts are urging caution
Dr Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Fertility, says that while AI has a role in medicine, it should not replace professional advice.
AI undoubtedly brings a lot of positives to medical research and diagnosis when used in the hands of professionals. But it will often prove unreliable and risky for giving people any pertinent answers to their healthcare symptoms or questions.
“It’s heartening that while a third would turn first to AI for fertility advice, three in 10 (29%) would speak instead to an experienced and trained healthcare professional from the outset", says Dr Chu.
The concern is that without clinical oversight, information generated by AI can be misleading, inaccurate or overly generic. In the context of fertility, that could mean unnecessary anxiety, false reassurance or even delays in seeking appropriate treatment.
How people are using AI during their fertility journey
Among those who had already used AI during their fertility journey, it was most commonly turned to during moments of worry.
The research found:
- 29% used AI when they were concerned about symptoms or unexpected changes
- 27% used it to better understand test results and medical information
- 24% used it to sense check their chances of conceiving
Fertility can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are trying to decode test results, track cycles or make decisions about treatment. Having immediate access to information can feel empowering, especially for those who value discretion.
But Dr Chu stresses that important decisions should never be made without speaking to a qualified professional.
“Fertility is such a wide topic that it causes people to feel a whole range of emotions. So, while a quick first check on a bit of information with AI may appear harmless to many,
it’s vital anyone discusses their fertility concerns extensively with a qualified doctor or nurse before making major or firm decisions on treatment or procedures to undertake.”
When to seek professional advice
If you are worried about your fertility, struggling to conceive, or concerned about symptoms, experts recommend speaking to your GP or a registered fertility specialist.
Medical professionals can:
- Provide personalised advice based on your medical history
- Arrange appropriate tests and interpret results accurately
- Discuss evidence based treatment options
- Offer emotional support and signpost to further help
While AI tools can offer general information, they cannot assess your individual health history, examine you, or provide regulated medical care.
For anyone feeling anxious after reading something online, booking an appointment with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and reassurance.
The data is based on a OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults conducted in March 2026.
Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.