Amelia Grant

Fertility issues may be frustrating and challenging for any relationship. Reproduction is such a delicate (and emotionally charged) issue that it's a breeding soil for misconceptions. Some couples want to get pregnant so desperately that they'll go to any length to acquire it, whether it's listening to old wives' tales about what to eat to get particular sex or Googling their issues for hours on end to find answers from more questionable blogs. 

But the last thing you need to do is search through shady blogs to determine what is true and what is false. In this article, we have gathered seven debunked myths about infertility that you shouldn't believe in.

1. Only women can be infertile

Men and women are equally affected by infertility. Approximately 25% of infertility is caused by the male partner, 25% by the female spouse, 25% by a mix of both male and female factors, and 25% by an unknown reason.

2. Being on the pill decreases the ability to get pregnant later in life

There is no scientific evidence that using oral contraceptives has a negative long-term effect on fertility. If you're having trouble becoming pregnant, it's most likely due to anything else. It is critical to know that if you stop taking birth control to prepare for pregnancy, you should regularly track your menstrual cycle.

If your periods do not return to normal after 3-4 months of discontinuing birth control, you should consult a gynecologist, since being on the pill might disguise symptoms of illnesses such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

3. Infertility is uncommon

Infertility is far more frequent than most people assume. One in every eight couples experiences infertility. Problems with fertility affect roughly 6.7 million women in the United States. One in four women will have a miscarriage at some point in their lives. If you have more than one miscarriage, this may signal that you need to seek specialized reproductive treatment.

4. Lifestyle doesn’t affect fertility

Women who are significantly underweight or overweight, with a BMI of 30 or higher, may have difficulty conceiving. Overweight men may also have reproductive issues. A healthy weight and a well-balanced diet will assist you in conceiving. 

Quitting smoking, avoiding drinking, and abstaining from illegal drug usage can all help. Medications and medical disorders such as diabetes can have a role, so consult your doctor. Improving fertility can sometimes be as easy as changing medications.

5. Age affects only female fertility

While it is true that women's fertility declines with age, they are not the only ones who see fertility changes as they age. Between the ages of 32 and 37, women's fertility drops significantly, often by as much as 50%. Male infertility, like female infertility, rises with age. After the age of 40, a man's sperm volume and motility are probably going to start decreasing.

6. Irregular cycles indicate infertility

Many women are concerned that they are infertile if their periods are irregular. However, the odd irregular cycle is fairly prevalent. Disruptions in sleep, exercise regimen, and stress levels can all affect the delicate hormonal balance that regulates the menstrual cycle.

While irregular periods may not always indicate infertility, they might make conceiving difficult. Ovulation, which occurs around 14 days before your next period, is the best time to have sex; if your cycle is irregular, timing sex might be difficult. If this is the case, it's best to see your gynecologist as soon as possible, especially if you've gone more than three or four months without a period.

7. If you have one child, you can't be infertile

A previous successful pregnancy does not ensure a successful pregnancy the second time around. Secondary infertility is highly prevalent and may be extremely difficult for couples trying to have a sibling.