An image forming apparatus includes: a recording material applying member configured to apply a recording material to a recording medium; a fixing member configured to fix a recording material to the medium; a first transportation unit configured to transport the medium to the recording material applying member and the fixing member; a discharge unit configured to discharge the medium; a second transportation unit configured to return the medium to the recording material applying unit; a reverse unit configured to reverse front and back surfaces of the recording medium provided in the second transportation unit; a transportation path switching unit configured to transport the medium to the discharge unit or the second transportation unit; and a control device configured to control the transportation path switching unit so as to transport the medium to the discharge unit when a fixing ability of the fixing member is decreased.