Infertility

Getting pregnant is easy: fertility myths vs. facts

(ARA) - Many misperceptions surround the subjects of conception and fertility, in large part due to the fact that these topics aren't generally discussed among friends and family, and many people don't even bring them up with their doctors. The following are some common myths about fertility and the facts that may surprise you.

Myth

Getting pregnant is easy.

Fact

While it may appear some women can get pregnant easily, the fact is one in eight couples in the United States will experience problems with fertility.

Myth

Lots of women are waiting until their 40s to start a family, so I have plenty of time.

Fact

While news abounds about celebrities having children well into their 40s, some of these women may actually be using donor eggs, or even surrogate carriers. The truth of the matter is the longer you wait to try to become pregnant, the slimmer your chances of conceiving. Fertility begins to decline for women at age 27 and dramatically declines by the age of 35. After age 40, women who do become pregnant face a 50 percent chance of miscarriage, so the earlier a couple seeks a fertility evaluation, the better able they'll be to take steps to conceive.

Myth

If you have a regular period, you can conceive.

Fact

A woman's fertility can be impacted even though there are no disruptions with her menstrual cycle. A period does not necessarily mean that a woman is ovulating or releasing an egg. A couple should speak to their physician if they are under the age of 35 and have been attempting to conceive for one year without success. If the couple is over the age of 35, they should seek treatment if they have been trying to conceive without success for six months.

Myth

A couple's fertility problems are caused by the woman.

Fact

This is one of the most commonly believed fertility myths. In fact, fertility problems can be attributed to the man 35 percent of the time and to the woman 35 percent. In 20 percent of cases, it is a combined man/woman problem and in 10 percent of cases the problem is unexplained. Should they suspect problems, both the man and the woman should undergo a full fertility evaluation.

Myth

Home remedies, such as taking cough syrup, can help you get pregnant.

Fact

It is never a good idea to self-medicate based on these kinds of legends. There is no proof, either in clinical or observational studies, that these products have any effect on fertility. Talking to your doctor about your options to become pregnant is the best way to help you conceive.

Myth

An OB/Gyn specializes in fertility and can provide all of the services needed to treat fertility problems.

Fact

When a couple experiences trouble getting pregnant, they should first speak with the woman's OB/Gyn about their concerns. While most OB/Gyns do not have a specialty in fertility, they will be able to answer a couple's basic questions and some may offer limited services to treat fertility problems. However, when these preliminary tests and treatments do not resolve a fertility problem, an OB/Gyn may refer the couple to a specialist, known as a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). REs have special training and equipment that enable them to provide the treatment and attention needed for couples facing fertility issues.

Myth

If you stop worrying and just relax, you'll get pregnant.

Fact

Fertility problems are often medical in nature and can be treated. The associated stress is a result—not a cause—of these problems. While reducing the stress associated with fertility problems may improve your overall quality of life, it does not mean that you will conceive if you "just relax." Talk to your doctor about ways to incorporate stress reduction into your fertility treatment plan to make the process easier on you and your partner.

The best way to debunk common misperceptions and learn the facts on fertility and conception is to talk to your doctor and educate yourself through trusted sources, such as www.fertilityjourney.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content