Dispelling the Top 10 Infertility Myths: Unveiling the realities behind conception challenges and empowering couples with knowledge for a hopeful journey.
Myth #1: Infertility is an inconvenience.
Wrong! In 2009, infertility was officially designated as a disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.
Myth #2: Infertility is rare.
Infertility is actually more common than you might think. About 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization (2023). In the U.S., the CDC reports that about 1 in 5 married women aged 15 to 49 with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying.
Myth #3: Infertility is always due to the woman.
The breakdown of infertility causes includes 35% due to female factors, 35% from male factors, 20% are a combination of both male and female factors, while 10% are unexplained.
Myth #4: Infertility does not affect young women.
Infertility does not discriminate by age, race or religion. Women can experience infertility in their 20s, 30s and beyond. The chance of conceiving declines with age but it can strike women of any reproductive age.
Myth #5: I am super healthy and in shape, so conceiving will be easy for me.
If you lead a generally healthy lifestyle, it can boost your fertility potential. However, no matter how healthy a woman is, nothing can change the age of the eggs. An otherwise healthy 30-year-old woman has a roughly 15–20% chance of conceiving naturally each month, while an otherwise healthy 40-year-old woman has about a 5% chance of conceiving naturally each month.
Myth #6: It's easy to get pregnant... if you just relax.
For some, it is easy to get pregnant. For many, it takes work. Each individual or couple's fertility potential is a unique situation comprised of their own specific factors that may affect fertility.
Myth #7: Having sex daily will increase my chances of getting pregnant.
This is indeed false (sorry gentlemen!). Having sex every other day around ovulation is actually better for sperm quality.
Myth #8: IVF will give me twins (or more)!
Definitely false! A singleton pregnancy is the goal; it is safer for both mom and baby. IVF allows for control of the number of embryos transferred. Advances in assisted reproductive technology have improved success with fewer embryos transferred per cycle.
Myth #9: If I just keep trying each month, it will happen for me... eventually.
Sometimes help IS needed. It is recommended to see a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility doctor) if a woman under the age of 35 has been unsuccessful conceiving after a year of unprotected intercourse, or a woman over the age of 35 is unsuccessful after attempting conception for 6 months.
Myth #10: I had no trouble getting pregnant the first time, so the second will be just as easy.
This is not always the case. Each pregnancy attempt is different. Many infertility patients experience secondary infertility, which is defined as difficulty conceiving after having a child.
Get answers from Ovum Health
Have questions about your own fertility? Book a visit with Ovum Health to talk with one of our fertility experts about your situation and next steps.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your own provider about your situation.