Common Fertility Myths You Should Know

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 in about 35 percent of infertile couples, and male and female factors together contribute to the problem in another 20 percent.

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.

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