Fertility Myths Debunked: Facts You Need to Hear

With advancements in reproductive medicine, it’s time to separate fact from fiction and empower you with accurate information.

Here are some of the most common fertility myths debunked, along with the facts you need to hear.

Myth 1: Getting Pregnant is Easy for Everyone

Fact: Fertility Varies from Person to Person

While some couples conceive quickly, others may face challenges. About 1 in 8 couples experience infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.

• Factors Influencing Fertility: Age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and even genetics play a significant role.
• If you’ve been trying for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35), consult a fertility specialist.

Myth 2: Infertility is Always a Woman’s Issue

Fact: Male Infertility Accounts for 40-50% of Cases

Infertility affects men and women almost equally.

• Common Causes in Men: Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.
• A semen analysis is a quick and effective way to assess male fertility and identify potential issues.

Myth 3: Age Doesn’t Matter Until After 40

Fact: Fertility Declines Gradually Starting in Your 30s

While many women can conceive naturally in their late 30s and early 40s, the chances of pregnancy begin to decrease around age 30.

• Egg Quality and Quantity: Both decline with age, leading to reduced fertility and higher chances of miscarriage.
• Freezing eggs in your late 20s or early 30s is an option to preserve fertility.

Myth 4: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period

Fact: Pregnancy During Your Period is Unlikely but Possible

While rare, it is possible to conceive during your period, especially if you have a shorter cycle. Sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for up to 5 days, so if ovulation occurs shortly after your period, fertilization can happen.

Myth 5: Stress is the Primary Cause of Infertility

Fact: Stress Alone Rarely Causes Infertility

Although stress can affect your overall well-being and possibly disrupt ovulation, it is rarely the sole cause of infertility.

• Key Takeaway: Reducing stress is important for your mental health, but addressing underlying medical causes of infertility is critical.

Myth 6: If You’ve Had a Child Before, You Won’t Have Fertility Issues

Fact: Secondary Infertility is Real

Secondary infertility refers to difficulty conceiving after previously having one or more children. It can be caused by:

• Age-related changes
• New medical conditions
• Lifestyle changes or partner-related issues

Myth 7: Fertility Treatments Always Result in Twins or Triplets

Fact: Modern Fertility Treatments Are More Controlled

While early fertility treatments had higher rates of multiple births, advances in technology and practices have significantly reduced this risk.

• Single Embryo Transfer (SET): In IVF, transferring a single embryo is now common, reducing the likelihood of multiples while maintaining high success rates.

Myth 8: Birth Control Causes Infertility

Fact: Birth Control Temporarily Prevents Pregnancy but Doesn’t Cause Infertility

Hormonal contraceptives, such as pills, IUDs, or implants, do not harm fertility. Once you stop using them, your natural fertility should return to normal.

Myth 9: Lifestyle Choices Don’t Impact Fertility

Fact: Lifestyle Has a Significant Influence

Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight or underweight, and poor diet can affect both male and female fertility.

• Positive Changes to Boost Fertility:
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
  • Incorporate a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Myth 10: Position During or After Intercourse Affects Conception

Fact: There is No Evidence to Support This Claim

No specific sexual position or lying down afterward guarantees conception. What matters is that sperm reaches the egg, which is more about timing ovulation than physical position.

Myth 11: Infertility Means You Can’t Have a Baby

Fact: Most Cases of Infertility Are Treatable

Modern reproductive technologies offer solutions for many infertility issues, including:

• Ovulation induction
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Donor eggs, sperm, or embryos
• Surrogacy

With the right approach, many couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

When to Seek Help

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, don’t wait to seek help. Here’s when to consider consulting a fertility specialist:

• Under 35: After 12 months of trying.
• Over 35: After 6 months of trying.
• Known Health Issues: Immediately, if you or your partner have known fertility-related conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the facts about fertility can help you make informed decisions and approach the journey to parenthood with clarity and confidence. Dispelling myths empowers you to focus on what truly matters—finding the right solutions and support for your unique situation.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us for expert guidance and personalized care to navigate your fertility journey.