Top Fertility Myths Concerning Women Explained

Is it the truth or just a rumor when it comes to the things you hear about female fertility?

While it is a fact that some factors can affect one’s ability to get pregnant, how do we know the information we read or hear is the truth? Today, we take a look at some of the most common female fertility misconceptions and debunk the myths with the truth.

1. Age Doesn’t Matter

False. Age DOES matter. Age is one of the leading variables that affect fertility. Fertility matters profoundly around a woman’s ovarian reserve, which decreases markedly as a woman ages. 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 attempt are about half of what they were between the ages of 19 and 26.

2. Infertility is Always Female Related

False. Infertility is not always a woman’s problem. Both men and women can contribute to infertility. Many couples struggle with infertility and seek help to become pregnant, but it is often thought of as only a woman’s condition. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, one-third of infertility cases are caused by fertility problems in women, and another one-third of fertility problems are due to fertility problems in men. The other cases are caused by a combination of male and female fertility issues that cannot be identified.

3. Must Lay Down for 30 Minutes After Intercourse

False. There is no scientific evidence that laying down after sex increases pregnancy odds. It takes only five minutes for sperm cells to reach the fallopian tube, after which they can survive for several days in the womb.

4. Poor Nutrition Decreases the Odds

True. Poor nutrition decreases the odds. Being too thin or too heavy can significantly reduce fertility. Women who consume enough calories and fats everyday risk not being able to ovulate normally and become pregnant. Being overweight or obese can also have adverse consequences for one’s ability to conceive since obesity can interfere with normal hormone function and fertility.

5. Position of Intercourse Helps to Conceive

False. Sperm travels to the cervix irrespective of position. There is no scientific backing any sex position being more conducive to conception than any other.  Research places the speed of sperm at around 200 inches per second, meaning that the sperm reaches the fallopian tubes within approximately five minutes, with or without the assistance of gravity or deep penetration.

6. Stress Decreases Fertility

True. Stress significantly reduces fertility rates. Studies reveal that women who took a stress reduction course had significantly higher success with IVF. A new study finds higher levels of stress are associated with lower odds of conception for women, but not for men. Considering how stress hurts our bodies, it’s not surprising that it could affect the reproductive cycle. Less stress is key to conceive.

7. Exposure to Common Chemicals May Reduce Fertility

True. Common chemicals often inhibit fertility. Some studies have shown that the now-infamous Bisphenol A (BPA) can decrease fertility in women, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), used in Teflon, have also been shown to affect the menstrual cycle. Research suggests that exposure to bisphenol A, or BPA, may disrupt the human reproductive process and play a role in about 20 percent of unexplained infertility.