Common Infertility Myths You Should Know

MaNaDr2021-08-23
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There are a lot of myths related to getting pregnant, and even well-meaning friends and fellow moms can perpetuate misconceptions.

Here are some common infertility myths and what you really need to know.

Myth 1: Infertility is almost always a woman’s problem.

Fact: When there’s an identifiable cause of infertility, about half the time men contribute to the problem, according to Resolve, a national infertility organization. Resolve explains that a male factor is responsible for about 35 percent of infertile couples, and male and female factors together contribute to the problem in another 20 percent.

Asian man shouting at his Wife. He thinks that infertility is her problems
Infertility is not always a woman’s problem.

Myth 2: Women don’t start to lose their fertility until their late 30s or early 40s.

Fact: According to a report in the journal Human Reproduction, a woman’s fertility starts to decline at age 27, although this isn’t clinically significant. Most women of this age can still get pregnant, of course, but it might take a few more months of trying. But by the time a woman reaches 35, her chances of getting pregnant during any particular attempt are about half of what they were between the ages of 19 and 26.

Myth 3: Just Relax and You’ll Get Pregnant Right Away.

Fact:  Infertility has to do with your reproductive system, not your nervous system so relaxation alone won’t help anyone become a parent.

Infertile couples should schedule a doctor’s appointment. One or both partners may have a correctable medical condition that stands in the way of conception.

Sad parent complaining holding a pregnancy test
Infertility has to do with your reproductive system, so relaxation alone won’t help anyone become a parent.

Myth 4: A man’s fertility doesn’t change with age.

Fact: While some men can father children into their 80s or 90s, male fertility isn’t age-proof. As reported in Human Reproduction, a man’s fertility usually begins to dip after about age 35. The decline is generally slow and gradual, but it can speed up dramatically if a man develops a condition that hampers sperm production (such as an infection in the genital tract).

Myth 5: People who have been pregnant before won’t face fertility issues

Fertility issues don’t just impact first-timers. Even if a couple already has a child or children, they can experience difficulty in getting pregnant later. This is called secondary infertility.

 

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Reference: HealthDay, Top Infertility Myths

Healthline,  7 Popular Infertility Myths, Debunked by Experts

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