Parenthood holds immense importance in every society and its failure often results in social consequences. Infertility is viewed as a tragedy by couples. It is a puzzling problem and oftentimes is considered taboo. As a result, myths with no medical base get created around infertility
Chances are there that you must have heard some of these myths from friends or relatives. However, it is necessary to be knowledgeable about facts, not myths. These myths prevent couples suffering from infertility from seeking appropriate treatment.
Nevertheless, here are 10 popular fertility myths and the facts behind them!
Myth#1: Infertility is uncommon in India
Fact#1: Women across India are battling infertility issues, despite the myth that it is not common in India. It is estimated that around 27.5 million couples in India suffer from infertility. That is about 1 in 6 couples. The sad part is that the taboo around infertility prevents these women from getting suitable infertility treatment.
Myth#2: Everyday intercourse results in pregnancy
Fact#2: The more the merrier does not hold true in every situation. Couples who try harder while conceiving but still fail can get a bit discouraged. It can even lead to an emotional breakdown. The probability of pregnancy depends on ovulation, not the number of sexual intercourses. One cannot control fertility and greater effort doesn’t mean equal results.
For this reason, it is important to recognize the little science behind the fertility window before putting faith in those kinds of myths. During a woman’s menstrual cycle there comes a little window of 5-7 days where the odds of pregnancy are the highest. From the 11th to the 20th day of the menstrual cycle, a mature egg is released into the fallopian tube that lasts up to 24hrs. During this period, it is advised to supply the egg with sperm as often as possible.
Myth#3: Smoking is fine
Fact#3: It is not fine. Male and female smokers are twice at risk of infertility as compared to non-smokers. The risk of fertility issues increases per cigarette. Nicotine and other such chemicals speed up menopause, which can happen 1-4 years earlier. Men can experience decreased sperm quality, quantity, motility, and the ability to fertilize the eggs. Smoking also affects the genetic material of sperm and eggs which increases birth defects and miscarriages. Even fertility treatments like IVF cannot fully reverse the smoking damage.
Myth#4: Infertility is a female-only issue
Fact#4: Not true. It takes both partners to make a baby. Despite that, society usually points fingers at women only. Statistically as per WHO it was reported that in India 40% of infertility cases were related to men, 40% to women, and the remaining 20% to both. This data alone invalidates the myth. Infertility is a disease that affects people regardless of their gender. It is vital to identify the obvious symptoms of infertility in women and men to seek fertility testing together with treatment in due time.
Myth#5: Treatment can cure infertility
Fact#5: Yes, it’s true. In most cases, couples end up being pregnant after trying for some time and seeking medical help. However, it doesn’t mean that every couple suffering from infertility will achieve pregnancy. Infertility is a complex problem and experts are still studying it. In some cases, the infertility issue is unknown and that further complicates the situation.
Technological advancement has put forth multiple infertility treatment options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), assisted hatching, and more. The cause of fertility, duration of infertility, couple’s age, and financial and psychological commitments play a crucial role in the result of fertility treatment.
Myth#6: Birth control pills lead to infertility
Fact#6: A number of women associate birth control with a cause of infertility. But it is not authentic. The majority of birth control pills are responsible for hormonal regulation to prevent pregnancy. But their effect only lasts for a limited period. Once the pills are discontinued it is believed that the fertility of most women will remain unaffected. Although in some instances the use of hormonal contraceptives hides the underlying infertility issues that come to knowledge only after the effect of the pill declines. If women doubt the use of the birth control pill as a reason for their infertility, then they should visit a doctor.
Myth#7: Stress causes infertility
Fact#7: People often advise individuals affected with infertility to relax and be optimistic and as a result, everything will be alright. But that’s not true. Some people often assume that even if stress affects fertility, it is only in the case of women. That again is not true, as stress causes both men and women to lose sexual drive and reduces sperm quality. Positive thinking is helpful but not enough to solve the infertility problem. Although relaxing and not overthinking can improve the chances of fertility in chronic stress cases. But just simply relaxing cannot make one fertile. Infertility is a medical condition that requires treatment for physical and reproductive health.
Myth#8: General health doesn’t impact infertility
Fact#8: General health is critical especially when it comes to fertility for both men and women. One must adopt a healthy lifestyle and treat their body in the best possible manner. The right nutrition, weight, and exercise may improve fertility. Being underweight or overweight puts an individual at risk of experiencing negative side effects that may obstruct fertility. Exercising is beneficial for both men and women but not too much. Likewise, recreational drugs and alcohol should be reduced too to limit their damage.
Myth#9: Being a mother eliminates the chances of infertility
Fact#9: It is a common misconception that the couple will have no trouble in their second pregnancy if their primary one was a success. Even if the couple is blessed with a child or children, they may face trouble while conceiving next time, which is known as secondary infertility. According to NIH, in India, roughly 8% of married women suffer from infertility and 5.8% of them are cases of secondary infertility.
Secondary infertility can be caused by the same reasons responsible for primary infertility. Certain ovary disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are responsible for infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes, uterine scarring, C-section scarring, sexually transmitted diseases, etc., are some other causes of infertility.
Myth#10: IVF and other such treatments are too expensive
Fact#10: The truth is that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a high-tech and expensive treatment for infertility. However, it is the last resort in unfortunate cases and several other inexpensive treatments are available as well. Even a simple pill or therapy is sometimes the solution for infertility.
It is always a great idea to seek professional help from experts in such circumstances. If you or your partner are facing infertility issues then book an appointment at Banker IVF, one of the most reputable IVF centre in Ahmedabad. The clinic offers advanced testing and treatment facilities to help couples trying to conceive.
Don’t let fertility myths hold you down from becoming a parent!
