Infertility is a complex problem where most of the couples and family members do not understand the underlying factors. They have their myths and misconceptions. You must realize the realities of fertility to help you have a baby!
Some myths and misconceptions which a doctor regularly hears from infertile couples are…
1. Myth: Having sex every day decreases the chance of natural conception.
Fact: Having sex every day or on every second or third day will give the same fertility outcome.
2. Myth: Ejaculation every two to three days reduces sperm functionality
Fact: The best quality sperms are produced by ejaculation every two to three days.
3. Myth: Coffee lowers your chances of getting pregnant
Fact: False, drinking coffee in moderation has no impact on fertility.
4. Myth: You can quit smoking once you are pregnant.
Fact: Smoking is injurious not only to you but also to your child in the womb. It may reduce fertility; therefore, it is advisable to quit smoking if you are planning to become pregnant.
5. Myth: Tight clothing will reduce the quality of sperms
Fact: No scientific evidence supports this statement.
6. Myth: Excessive masturbation may deplete sperm stores
Fact: Masturbation is a normal activity. It does not affect the sperm count as they are constantly produced throughout the life.
7. Myth: Prolonged painful and irregular menstruation results in infertility
Fact: Painful periods do not affect fertility. Indeed, a painful period is a sign of healthy ovulatory cycle.
8. Myth: Leakage of sperms from the vagina after intercourse may reduce the chances of pregnancy
Fact: Discharge after the intercourse is quite normal.
9. Myth: To become pregnant, the blood group of your partner should match with yours.
Fact: Blood group factor does not influence fertility.
10. Myth: Infertility is hereditary
Fact: False, most infertility problems are not hereditary it may depend on an individual lifestyle, and health status.
11. Myth: Infertility can be alleviated if you work hard for it
Fact: Infertility control is not in a person’s hand. However, various infertility treatments improved the chances of conception in few but are not a permanent solution to many.
12. Myth: Blame a tipped ‘retroverted’ uterus
Fact: No, one in five women has a tipped ‘retroverted’ uterus. It does not hinder sperms from swimming into the cervix.
13. Myth: Sperm count is the same every day
Fact: The sperm count may vary depending upon your physical and medical conditions.
14. Myth: Best to have pillows under the hips during and after intercourse to enhance fertility
Fact: Irrespective of the hip position the sperms swim in the cervix to the fallopian tube for 48 to 72 hours after intercourse.
15. Myth: Infertility is more related to females than in males
Fact: Do you know? About 35 % of the infertility cases are related to females, other 35 % are related to males, 20% are related to both and 10% of them are undetermined.
16. Myth: Drinking wine is better than drinking alcohol
Fact: Alcohol in any form may lead to fetal defects. Therefore, it is better to avoid it while planning for pregnancy.
17. Myth: Chances of females becoming pregnant is more at the age of their late 30’s and early 40’s
Fact: By the time a female reach 35, her chances of getting pregnant reads down to half of her early 20’s.
18. Myth: A male can retain fertility till end
Fact: Male fertility isn’t age-proof. Males may tend to lose fertility by 40’s.
19. Myth: Do not relay on vasectomy reversals, they are unsuccessful
Fact: Some patients respond better than 50/50 vasectomy reversal and hand a chance of fathering a baby.
20. Myth: Eating habits and body weight does not affect fertility
Fact: Poor nutrition and abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI) adversely affects the quality of the sperms and egg.
21. Myth: Treatment with an In Vitro Fertilization may result in multiple babies
Fact: The goal of a skilled IVF program is to give successfully birth to a single healthy child.
22. Myth: Lubricants supports fertility
Fact: Lubricants may slow or even cease the functionality of the sperm. It is advisable to use a sperm-friendly lubricant to overcome this issue.
23. Myth: Weak womb may contribute to infertility
Fact: Infertility may be due to several reasons. It is always better to consult a gynecologist before jumping to conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does age only affect female fertility?
No, age affects both men and women when it comes to fertility. Women's egg quantity and quality drop significantly after their mid-30s, while for men, sperm quality and movement initiate declining around their 40's and also older men have a higher chance of passing genetic mutations through sperm.
2. Is infertility always caused by the woman?
No, infertility isn’t just a woman’s issue. Studies show that about 40% of cases are due to male factors, another 40% to female factors, and the rest involve both partners or unknown reasons. Both of you should get checked to find out what’s causing the problem and plan the right treatment.
3. Can stress alone cause infertility?
Stress doesn’t usually cause infertility on its own. It can mess with your hormones and affect ovulation or sperm production, but medical issues are often the main cause. Reducing stress can help you feel better and support other treatments, but it won’t solve everything by itself.
4. Does using contraception for a long time cause infertility?
No, using contraception for years doesn’t harm your fertility. Once you stop, your body usually returns to normal. But if you have conditions like PCOS or irregular periods, these might show up after you stop taking birth control and could delay conception.
5. If you already have a child, does that mean you can’t be infertile?
No, this isn’t true. You can still face secondary infertility, which happens when you can’t conceive again after having a child. Things like age, health issues, or lifestyle changes after your first pregnancy can play a role. The good news is that it’s treatable.
6. Will lifestyle changes alone cure infertility?
Healthy habits can improve your chances of conception, but they will not be enough if the underlying cause of infertility is medical. Conditions such as tubal blockage, endometriosis, or low sperm count often require some form of medical intervention. It is best to have both lifestyle changes and medical treatments.
7. Are fertility treatments only for women without eggs?
No, fertility treatments are not limited to women with low or no egg reserves. They are for anyone who has trouble conceiving. There are IUI, IVF, and ICSI for any type of problem, whether male factor or unexplained. A fertility specialist can advise you on what is right for you
