While pregnancy is easily detectable through a few simple tests, infertility is much more difficult to pinpoint. In 90% of cases, you normally wouldn’t even know if you were infertile until you actually decide to become pregnant. There are also no clear criteria for how many attempts need to be made before starting to worry. All this uncertainty creates many myths about female fertility. Below, we analyze the most popular misconceptions about infertility.
1. If a Woman Gave Birth, Then Infertility Does Not Threaten Her
When a couple manages to conceive and give birth to one child without any problems, this is often perceived as proof that they can always get pregnant again. However, couples who already have children may experience difficulty when trying to conceive again. This may be the result of health issues or age in one of the partners.
2. If Pregnancy Does Not Occur Within a Few Months that Means Infertility
The misconception that pregnancy will occur immediately after the first unprotected contact is supported by common cases of unintended pregnancy. Although it is is possible to get pregnant after having sexual intercourse one time, this does not always happen. Often accidental pregnancy is the result of systematic neglect of contraception.
Female and male fertility is influenced by many factors ranging from the phase of the menstrual cycle to lifestyle and stress. That is why it makes no sense to run to a fertility specialist after a couple of months of unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. Doctors recommend seeking help only if pregnancy has not occurred after a year or more of regular unprotected sex.
3. With a Diagnosis of Infertility, It’s Best to Immediately Start Thinking About IVF
IVF seems to be a simple and reliable way to get pregnant with a diagnosis of infertility, however, do not immediately deprive yourself of the possibility of natural fertilization. It is important to establish the cause of infertility and think out about different ways to solve the problem. Sometimes, for example, endometriosis treatment takes less time and stress than IVF.
4. To Get Pregnant, You Need to Have Sex as Often as Possible
With infertility, the frequency of sex does not play a greatly important role as you should first restore the reproductive function and then work on conception. Once the problem is addressed, daily sex will only slightly increase your chances of getting pregnant. It is enough to have sex regularly and during ovulation. An app with an ovulation calendar can help you get pregnant more effectively than constant blind attempts.
5. Some Foods Can Prevent Pregnancy
While some foods rich in healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and coconut oil may help increase your chances of getting pregnant, there are no foods that will prevent you from having a baby.
Your doctor may recommend decreasing some unhealthy behaviors such as eating fast food and consuming too much alcohol, but you only need to change your diet based on your doctor’s advice.
6. Infertility Is Most Often a Female Problem
The blame for conception issues often falls solely on the woman as she is the first to look for reasons for infertility, feels guilty for not being able to get pregnant, and does not immediately offer her partner to check his fertility.
Although there are no clear statistics on male and female infertility, experts are also unanimous in the opinion that it is not less common for men to be infertile (30-45%). Age, stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and various diseases can also cause infertility in men. Both men and women need to be conscious of their health when preparing for a new baby.
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