Infertility is already a challenging enough journey without the misinformation that often surrounds it. From outdated advice to straight-up myths, there’s a lot of noise that can make an already emotional experience even harder to navigate. April is Infertility Awareness Month, so let’s break down some of the most common myths and replace them with facts backed by science.
Myth #1: Just Relax, and It’ll Happen
Reality: While stress can impact overall health, infertility is a medical condition, not a mindset. Studies show that infertility is caused by physiological factors such as hormonal imbalances, anovulation, reproductive disorders, or sperm health. While managing stress is beneficial for well-being, it’s not a cure for infertility.
Myth #2: Infertility Is a Women’s Issue
Reality: Infertility affects people of all genders. In fact, male factor infertility accounts for about 50% of cases. Sperm health, motility, and DNA fragmentation can all contribute to challenges in conception, making it essential that both partners undergo fertility testing proactively and especially if conception isn’t happening.
Myth #3: If You’ve Had a Baby Before, You Won’t Struggle with Infertility
Reality: Secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy) is very real. It can be caused by age-related changes, underlying health conditions or reproductive complications that develop over time. Hopefully, you get pregnant just as easily the second or third time, but that's not always the case and we need to acknowledge that.
Myth #4: Age Only Matters for Women
Reality: While egg quality declines with age, sperm health is also affected over time. Research suggests that sperm motility and morphology decrease with age (especially after 40), which can contribute to longer conception times and increased risks of miscarriage.
Myth #5: IVF is the Only Option
Reality: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a great option, but it’s not the only one. Depending on the cause of infertility, treatments like ovulation-inducing medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), lifestyle modifications, and alternative therapies can all play a role in improving fertility outcomes.
Myth #6: Lifestyle Has No Impact on Fertility
Reality: While not all infertility cases are lifestyle-related, factors like nutrition, exercise, sleep, and environmental exposures can influence reproductive health. Maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can all contribute to better fertility health.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Understanding the science behind infertility helps break down stigma and empowers people to make informed decisions. If you or someone you love is navigating fertility challenges, know that you’re not alone and that real, science-backed support is out there.