When it comes to fertility, there is a lot of advice circulating – from family, friends, and the internet. Unfortunately, not all of it is accurate. Myths can create unnecessary stress or worry for those who are already navigating a deeply emotional journey. By separating fact from fiction, you can feel more confident and informed as you move forward.
Myth 1: Infertility is Mostly a Woman’s Issue
The truth: Fertility challenges affect both men and women almost equally. About 40% of infertility cases are linked to female factors, 40% to male factors, and 20% to a combination or unexplained causes.
What this means: If pregnancy isn’t happening as expected, it’s important for both partners to be evaluated.
Myth 2: Age Only Affects Women’s Fertility
The truth: While women’s fertility naturally declines with age, men are not immune. Sperm quality also decreases over time, impacting motility, DNA integrity, and pregnancy success rates.
What this means: If you’re planning to start a family later in life, it is beneficial for both partners to get a fertility check-up. Healthy lifestyle habits such as limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and prioritizing sleep, can also help protect fertility.
Myth 3: IVF Guarantees Pregnancy
The truth: IVF is one of the most effective fertility treatments, but it is not a guarantee. Success rates depend on age, egg and sperm quality, and overall health. Even with advanced science, no treatment can promise 100% success.
What this means: Entering treatment with realistic expectations can ease stress. It may take more than one cycle, or you may be advised by your fertility doctor to consider donor eggs, sperm, or embryos.
Myth 4: Lifestyle Alone Can Overcome Infertility
The truth: While a healthy lifestyle supports fertility, it cannot overcome medical issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or a very low sperm count.
What this means: Taking care of your body is always valuable, but medical guidance is equally important. A combined approach, lifestyle and evidence-based care, gives you the best chance of success.
Myth 5: You Should Wait a Full Year Before Seeking Help
The truth: The “one-year rule” does not apply to everyone. Women over 35 should check in with a fertility specialist after six months of trying natural conception. Anyone with known medical conditions or irregular cycles may benefit from earlier support.
What this means: There is no downside to seeking advice sooner. Early intervention can save time, energy, and heartache.
Myth 6: Birth Control Causes Infertility
The truth: Hormonal birth control does not cause infertility. While it may temporarily delay the return of regular cycles, most people resume normal ovulation within weeks or months after stopping birth control. Sometimes underlying fertility issues only become visible after discontinuing birth control.
What this means: Don’t let past birth control use worry you. If your cycles don’t return within a few months, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor to rule out other causes.
Myth 7: Stress Alone Can Prevent Pregnancy
The truth: Stress is tough on the body, but it is not the sole cause of infertility. Extreme stress can disrupt menstrual cycles, but most fertility issues are medical or biological.
What this means: While managing stress supports overall health, do not believe that stress is the only barrier. Focus on balance — therapy, yoga, meditation, or support groups can help, but medical evaluation is key.
Myth 8: Position or Timing Guarantees Conception
The truth: There is no scientific evidence that the position during intercourse improves the chances of conception. What matters most is timing – having intercourse during the fertile window (the days leading up to ovulation).
What this means: Focus on understanding your cycle and ovulation timing rather than following outdated tips. Fertility tracking tools and apps can help!
Myth 9: If You’ve Had One Child, You Won’t Struggle Again
The truth: Secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after already having a child) is more common than many realize. Health changes, age, or new medical issues can all play a role.
What this means: If you are struggling to conceive again, you are not alone. Seeking support early can help identify the cause and guide next steps.
Myth 10: Fertility Treatments Always Result in Multiples
The truth: Advances in fertility medicine have significantly reduced the risk of multiples. Clinics today often recommend single embryo transfers to increase safety, which makes twins or triplets much less common than in the past.
What this means: Don’t assume fertility treatment automatically means a multiple pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your clinic’s embryo transfer guidelines and success rates.
Moving Forward with Clarity
Fertility myths can add unnecessary worry to an already emotional journey. By learning the facts, you can make empowered choices and approach your journey with confidence.
At Fertility Friends Foundation, we believe knowledge is a powerful ally. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or exploring treatment options, remember: you’re not alone, and trusted information is always within reach.
References:
- Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society (CFAS), “Causes of Infertility.”
- Mayo Clinic, “Male fertility: Does age matter?” (2023).
- CDC, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Success Rates (2022).
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), “Optimizing natural fertility.”
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), “Infertility: When to seek help.”
- Harvard Health Publishing, “Birth control and fertility: Myths and facts” (2021).
- Fertility Network UK, “The impact of stress on fertility” (2022).