Fertility experts are familiar with many myths about infertility. There are rumors that certain positions increase the chances of getting pregnant or that standing on the wrist after intercourse makes fertilization easier, but none of these are true.
Fertility experts hear all kinds of stories. There are numerous myths about infertility that are passed down through social networks and word of mouth. Many people, without a doubt, believe some of the myths about infertility.
One in six couples struggles with pregnancy. These issues are also influenced by age, class, ethnicity, and creed. Some do not find a cause and draw their own conclusions before consulting an expert.
The truth is, there are many reasons why men, women, or both sexes can’t get pregnant. There are many myths that are taken for granted even though they have no basis. There are still myths about infertility that have been denied by fertility experts several times.
If you have pregnancy problems, talk to a fertility expert, and don’t be fooled by what people you know.
Today, despite advances in science and the availability of widespread information, these false beliefs continue to circulate. Here are some of the most common infertility myths.
Infertility Myth: Pregnancy is easy
There is a false belief that if you make a decision, you will get pregnant. Infertility experts point out that even healthy young couples can conceive only 20 to 30 percent of the time during the ovulation cycle.
The probability increases to 57% after 3 months, 72% after 6 months, and 85% after 1 year. That said, pregnancy is not that simple. It usually takes a year to become pregnant.
Daily Sex Can Make You Pregnant
It is clear that the more you have sex, the greater your chances of getting pregnant. However, studies show that there is no significant difference between having sex every day and having sex every other day. Frequent intercourse also reduces the number of sperm per ejaculate.
Having sex within 24 hours of ovulation is key
This is the myth most often heard by infertility experts. After ovulation, a woman cannot become pregnant. Fertilization occurs when the egg meets the sperm in the fallopian tube and occurs 7 to 10 days before menstruation. Otherwise, pregnancy is impossible.
Myths about infertility: Menstruation makes you pregnant
Not true. First of all, you can menstruate even if you have ovulation problems. In other words, you can menstruate even if you can’t get pregnant. For about 5 years before menopause, even if you menstruate, your chances of getting pregnant are very low .
A woman’s fertility is important.
It’s also nonsense. Some people believe that not getting pregnant is a female infertility problem, but 35-40% of infertility is caused by men. It is an issue that needs to be considered on both sides.
Age doesn’t matter as long as your body is healthy
Exercising and maintaining optimal health is beneficial to pregnancy, but they are not enough. Although not a determining factor, age is important. Because fertilization implies an interconnection of a set of factors and age.
Myths about infertility: Many women have babies at 40
While it is true that some women manage to become pregnant by the age of 40, most women do not. A woman’s fertility begins to decline after the age of 35, and her chances of becoming pregnant gradually diminish. There is only a 20% chance of getting pregnant at the age of 40.
There is no problem with the pregnancy if you are a man who already has children
Many believe this to be true. Men’s age is just as important as women’s. According to one study, men’s fertility decreases by 23% per year after age 39. Whether you already have a child or not, you cannot get pregnant forever.
Infertility Myth: Weight Is a Secondary Factor
Being overweight causes hormonal changes in both men and women. Weight affects ovulation in women and semen production in men. Fertility experts estimate that losing as little as 10 to 20 percent of body weight can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
No need to quit coffee
Coffee is not a good friend of pregnancy. A study conducted in 2007 found that women who drank more than one cup of coffee per day were only half as likely to become pregnant during their ovulation cycle. Remember, caffeine is also present in tea, chocolate, and cola.
Stop smoking only when you are pregnant
Data show that up to 13% of female infertility cases are due to smoking. There are no estimates for men, but it affects men as well. What’s more, these effects occur even if you only smoke a few cigarettes a day.
Read Also: What is In Vitro Fertilization?
Infertility Myth: Only Women Should Take Supplements Before Pregnancy
It is well known that women should take folic acid supplements if they are planning to become pregnant. However, men should also take it. Both men and women need folic acid supplements to keep their babies healthy. These supplements have been found to increase sperm count and sperm motility.
Resolved by Assisted Reproduction
Don’t be too sure. In general, assisted reproduction can solve male fertility problems and female ovulation abnormalities. Although it is possible to improve defective oocytes under the influence of age, it may not be possible to rely on this alternative after the age of 40.
The Moon Affects
This is the most interesting myth. The belief that matching the lunar cycles will help you conceive is not true. Sometimes a relationship between the moon and pregnancy is found because a woman’s menstrual cycle and duration are similar. Other than that, there is no link between the two.
Because of Psychological Causes
Stress can cause hormonal disturbances that prevent pregnancy. However, mood is not the only cause of infertility. The impossibility of pregnancy is due to physical causes. Psychological factors have limited influence.
Beliefs about pregnancy are often passed down by word of mouth, even when unproven.
There are many other myths that fertility experts have to deal with. The statement that certain foods stimulate pregnancy and that being very thin will help make it easier is a lie.
Also, the claim that sexually transmitted diseases affect general health but not fertility is also not true. These infections cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.