Fertility is a sensitive and often misunderstood topic, leading to the spread of myths that can misinform couples trying to conceive. Here, we will do our best to demystify some of these fertility myths.
Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of these myths and what the truth is.
1. Myth: Infertility Is Always the Woman’s Fault
✅ Truth: Infertility affects both male and female equally.
Many people believe that if a couple is struggling to conceive, the issue must lie with the woman.
However, studies show that infertility cases are 40% due to male factors, 40% due to female factors, and 20% due to unexplained or combined factors.
You see, all a couple needs to do when they have tried to conceive for 6 months is to go for a test. They both need to undergo that test to be sure.
👉 Male infertility causes include:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility (movement)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic conditions
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, or stress
👉 Female infertility causes include:
- Irregular ovulation
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Hormonal imbalances
Find more in 7 Major Causes Of Infertility
💡 Tip: Both partners should get tested if conception is taking longer than expected.
2. Myth: If You’ve Had A Baby Before, You Can’t Be Infertile
✅ Truth: Secondary infertility is real.
Many people assume that once you’ve had a child, you’ll have no trouble conceiving again.
However, secondary infertility affects many couples and can be caused by:
- Age-related decline in egg quality
- Hormonal changes
- Weight gain or lifestyle changes
- Male infertility issues
💡 Tip: If you’re struggling to conceive after a previous pregnancy, see a fertility specialist for guidance.
3. Myth: Certain Sexual Positions Increase Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant
✅ Truth: No position guarantees conception.
Some believe that positions like missionary or lying with legs raised after intercourse increase the chance of pregnancy.
Interestingly, sperm reach the egg within minutes, regardless of position. The key factor in conception is timing ovulation rather than how you have intercourse.
However, the semen motility has to be optimum for the sperm to reach the egg.
💡 Tip: Use ovulation tracking methods like basal body temperature, cervical mucus monitoring, or ovulation test kits to improve your chances.
4. Myth: A Woman Can Conceive At Any Time During Her Cycle
✅ Truth: Women are most fertile during ovulation.
Women have a fertile window of about 5-6 days per cycle, typically between days 12-16 in a 28-day cycle. Outside of this window, pregnancy is unlikely.
So, target this window if you are trying to conceive and you stand a better chance.
💡 Tip: If trying to conceive, track your cycle and plan intercourse around ovulation for the best chances.
5. Myth: Men’s Fertility Doesn’t Decline With Age
✅ Truth: Male fertility decreases with age.
While men continue producing sperm throughout their lives, sperm quality declines after age 40. Older sperm are linked to:
- Lower motility (slower movement)
- Increased DNA fragmentation
- Higher risk of genetic conditions in children
💡 Tip: Men should maintain a healthy lifestyle and consider sperm quality testing if trying to conceive later in life.
6. Myth: Birth Control Pills Cause Long-term Infertility
✅ Truth: Fertility returns quickly after stopping birth control.
Many women worry that using contraceptives like birth control pills, IUDs, or injections for years will make it harder to conceive. In reality, most women start ovulating again within a few months of stopping contraception.
Basically, all you need is to be intentional with feeding your body nutrients that will boost conception chances. Preparing your body for conception is key once a woman stops using contraceptives.
💡 Tip: If your cycle doesn’t return to normal after 6 months, consult a doctor.
7. Myth: Stress Alone Causes Infertility
✅ Truth: Stress can affect or disrupt hormones but isn’t the sole cause of infertility.
Extreme stress can disrupt ovulation and sperm production, but it rarely causes infertility on its own (1).
Also, many couples feel pressured to conceive, leading to emotional stress—but medical issues are often the real cause of difficulty getting pregnant.
💡 Tip: Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or therapy while addressing medical concerns with a doctor.
8. Myth: ‘Just Relax, And You’ll Get Pregnant!’
✅ Truth: Infertility is a medical condition, not just stress-related.
Telling couples to “just relax” oversimplifies the issue.
You see, while stress reduction is beneficial, infertility often requires medical evaluation and treatment.
💡 Tip: If you’ve been trying for over a year (or 6 months if over 35), see a fertility specialist instead of relying on myths.
9. Myth: Eating Certain Foods Will Guarantee Pregnancy
✅ Truth: A healthy diet supports fertility, but no food guarantees conception.
A nutrient-rich diet can help boost reproductive health, but eating specific foods won’t automatically make you pregnant.
👉 Good for fertility:
- Leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains (rich in folic acid)
- Salmon and flaxseeds (omega-3 for hormone balance)
- Zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds (support sperm health)
💡 Tip: Focus on balanced nutrition, hydration, and avoiding processed foods for overall fertility health.
10. Myth: IVF And Fertility Treatments Always Work
✅ Truth: Success rates depend on various factors.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a powerful fertility treatment, but it is not 100% guaranteed. Success rates depend on:
- Age (higher success in younger women)
- Underlying fertility issues
- Sperm and egg quality
💡 Tip: Discuss realistic expectations with a fertility specialist before starting treatment. You can reach out to us for assistance and guidance.
Final Thoughts:
Fertility myths can create unnecessary stress and confusion for couples trying to conceive.
The key takeaway is that infertility is a medical condition that should be addressed with science-based solutions, not myths.
If you’re struggling to conceive, seek medical advice early.
Above all, keep a healthy lifestyle but don’t rely on myths to dictate your fertility journey.
Understand that both male and female contribute to fertility outcomes.