Debunking 8 Common Fertility Misconceptions

Fertility is an important part of a woman’s life over which she does not have total control. And when it comes to making babies, those around appear to have tremendous insights to share which quite often than not are sheer gibberish. When matters fail to be happening as per expectations, it is only natural for people to search for clarifications – ideally something that they could take direct actions on – that is where misconceptions begin circulating.

Misconception:
Exercising and following proper dietetic intake would help in preserving fertility.

Truth:
There is bound to be a decline in a female’s egg quality as she ages irrespective of her healthful existence. Specialists approximate that in thirty-five year olds, about one from two eggs has a likelihood of having chromosomal irregularities; and approximately ninety percent of eggs have abnormalities among females in the age of forty-two years and above. With lesser eggs having viability, fertility prospects too plummet accordingly.

Studies have shown that females engaging in regular exercising during gestational term might experience lesser pregnancy-associated ache and pain conditions. Additionally, consumption of less fatty diets replete with fruits and veggies, whole and multi-grains would assist in maintaining a healthy weight that could augment likelihood of conceiving at any age. Obesity and overweight issues come in the way of women attempting conception and they are more susceptible to developing complications like hypertension and gestational diabetes.

Misconception:
Use of birth control pills would make conception more difficult to achieve.

Truth:
Fertility is not affected due to birth control pills. Even the periods-punctuating birth control pills do not hinder fertility prospects. Studies have shown that on stopping their intake, ovulation would commence in 3 months time and possibly even earlier, just similar to regular contraceptive pills. Due to the minimal hormone dosage in these pills, the body reverts to its pre-pill status very soon. Factually, birth control pills have a shielding effect and could aid in slowing or even preventing endometriosis and growth of ovarian cysts which could hamper ovulation. Women not able to conceive after pill stoppage could have had bodily changes that innately happened over span of time in their periods cycle. Many women find their periods become erratic after halting pill usage.

Misconception:
Daily sex is necessary for getting pregnant soon.

Truth:
Life span of sperms is around 38-72 hours in a woman’s reproductive system, hence there is no point of overloading. In fact, sperm counts diminish when sexual contact is engaged in for more than a single instance in a day for a couple of days in a row.

Figuring out one’s ovulation day and engaging in sex on alternate days 2-3 days prior to and after that date would help in improving fertility prospects. Hence, in a twenty-eight day menstrual cycle, ovulation would occur close to or on the fourteenth day. By and large, many pairs do take around 4-6 months for having a successful conception.

Misconception:
Stressful existence is the prevalent cause for unsuccessful conception

Truth:
Stress does play a critical part, however it not that prevalent an offender. Stress could bring about modifications in hormonal balance that could hinder ovulation. Studies have shown females with halted periods (amenorrhea) had successful ovulation when they were given cognitive behavioral therapy.

Misconception:
Regular menses means no problems in conceiving.

Truth:
Being able to get menses at an expected day each month is indicative of regular ovulation, however not ensuring that egg quality is optimal. Several aspects affect fertility inclusive of reproductive system health. A woman could have blockage in her fallopian tubes and yet be getting regular menstrual cycles. Diet and exercise along side maintaining proper sexual health is vital. This means getting annual Pap smear tests, getting screened for sexually transmitted diseases and undergoing a cervical examination for screening abnormalities and infections so early treatment could commence prior to them causing any major impact on fertility.

Misconception:
Abortion has an effect on conception prospects.

Truth:
Abortion could have an effect on fertility solely when a complication has developed at the time of the procedure or afterwards. Infections developing like scar tissue formations in the uterine region might hamper egg from getting implanted.

Misconception:
Having an earlier conception and healthy infant would mean the same during the subsequent instant.

Truth:
Since there are alterations in a woman’s reproductive system as time passes, hence women planning on having more kids must not be waiting long. Those women nearing thirty-five years or more should ideally not postpone matters any further. Even in males, sperm quality has been found to decline as they age.

Misconception:
Post-miscarriage, conceiving is tougher.

Truth:
Miscarriages that occur in twenty percent of all conceptions have no impact on a woman’s chances of conception. Specialists have even advised several women on attempting conception in a month’s time after their miscarriage. Those women who have suffered 3 miscarriages consequently are often suffering from a fundamental medical condition and need to undergo tests for figuring out the precise reason for the problem.

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