Summary:
Conception and fertility are topics that are often surrounded by myths and misinformation. As couples prepare to start a family, it is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to fertility. In this blog post, we will debunk some common fertility myths and provide evidence-based information to help couples better understand their fertility and increase their chances of conception.
Myth #1: Women can only get pregnant during ovulation.
Fact: While ovulation is the best time for conception, it is possible for a woman to get pregnant at any point during her menstrual cycle. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so having sex a few days before ovulation can still result in pregnancy. Additionally, some women may have irregular cycles or ovulate at different times, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact time of ovulation.
Myth #2: Lying down with your legs up after sex will increase your chances of conception.
Fact: There is no evidence to support this myth. In fact, gravity has no effect on the movement of sperm and lying down for too long after sex can actually cause discomfort or infection. It is recommended to stay in a comfortable position for 10-15 minutes after intercourse, but there is no need to elevate your legs.
Myth #3: Taking birth control pills for a long time will make it harder to get pregnant.
Fact: Birth control pills do not have a long-term effect on fertility. In fact, many women get pregnant soon after stopping the pill. Ovulation and fertility typically return to normal within a few weeks of stopping birth control pills.
Myth #4: Infertility is always a woman’s problem.
Fact: Infertility can be caused by various factors in both men and women. In fact, about one-third of infertility cases are attributed to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remaining one-third to a combination of male and female factors. It is important for both partners to get tested if they are struggling to conceive.
Fertility Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction in Preparing for Conception
Myth #5: Having sex every day will increase your chances of conception.
Fact: While frequent sex is important for conception, having sex every day can actually decrease a man’s sperm count. Sperm takes time to replenish, so it is recommended to have sex every other day during the fertile window. This allows for better quality and quantity of sperm.
Myth #6: Fertility declines drastically after the age of 35.
Fact: While a woman’s fertility does decline with age, it is not a sharp drop at the age of 35. In fact, fertility begins to decline in the late 20s and early 30s. However, age does play a role in fertility as the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decrease over time. It is important for women to be aware of their age and plan accordingly if they want to have children.
Myth #7: Eating certain foods can increase fertility.
Fact: While a healthy diet is important for overall health and well-being, there is no specific food or diet that has been proven to increase fertility. However, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet can improve reproductive health and increase chances of conception.
Myth #8: Stress is a major cause of infertility.
Fact: While stress can have a negative impact on overall health, there is no evidence to suggest that it directly causes infertility. However, chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that can affect fertility. Finding ways to manage stress can be beneficial for both physical and emotional well-being.
Myth #9: Having a miscarriage means you will have trouble getting pregnant again.
Fact: Miscarriages are a common occurrence, with about 10-25% of known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Most women who have had a miscarriage are able to get pregnant again and have a successful pregnancy. However, it is important to consult with a doctor after a miscarriage to ensure that there are no underlying issues that may affect future pregnancies.
Myth #10: You can control the gender of your baby.
Fact: The sex of a baby is determined by the sperm, which carries either an X or Y chromosome. There is no scientific evidence to support any methods or techniques for selecting the gender of a baby. The only way to guarantee a specific gender is through pre-implantation genetic testing, which is used for medical reasons.
In conclusion, fertility can be a complex and confusing topic, but it is important for couples to have accurate information in order to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. By separating fact from fiction and understanding the factors that affect fertility, couples can better prepare for conception and increase their chances of starting a family.