Infertility is an obstacle in parenthood for many couples. Patients of all ages, backgrounds and health may suffer from infertility due to various factors. Doctors who treat patients with infertility often hear some common misconceptions during patient appointments. It helps if more and more men and women know about the realities of fertility. It will help them improve their chances of conceiving:
- A man who is already a dad, does not have fertility problems
Just like female fertility, male fertility also decreases with age, particularly after age 40. According to experts, there is a direct link between paternal age and an increased risk of autism and schizophrenia. Men pass along as many as four times more genetic mutations as compared to mothers. As a man ages, the amount of healthy semen and overall semen volume also decreases.
- If others in my family can be fertile in their 40s, so can I
During fertility treatment, family history is taken into account. However, it can neither help nor hinder fertility potential. Previous successful pregnancy also do not indicate a problem-free conception route. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11% of couples experience secondary infertility. Once a woman is 40 years old, there is less than 5% chance she will get pregnant in any given month.
- You can give up smoking after getting Pregnant
About 13% of infertility diagnosis in the US are due to smoking cigarettes. If a woman or man smokes five cigarettes a day, it can lower their fertility rates to a great extent.
- The Women does not have to worry about her Eggs until she’s 40
A woman is born with around 7 million eggs, which come down to 400,000 when she hits puberty. During her lifetime, around 400 to 500 eggs are released. As the woman ages, her ovarian reserve declines. Her egg supply face a rapid decline in the late 20s, again in the 30s and then even more so after age 35.
- It’s ok if I don’t lose weight before getting pregnant
When men or women carry extra weight, hormonal shifts might occur in the body and it can affect ovulation and semen production. The good news is that couples can become active together to lose weight and boost their fertility. According to statistics, around 70 percent of women with infertility are also obese. Even if they lose as little as 5 to 10% of their body weight, it can boost their fertility.
- Only Women need supplements before Pregnancy
Women are usually asked to take folic acid when they begin trying to conceive. This helps prevent certain birth defects. But folic acid is also an important supplement in male fertility. As per researchers, men had a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm when their diet was low in folic acid.
- Having sex every day can help in getting pregnant faster
This is another myth. Having sex every day can only slightly increase pregnancy chances when compared to having sex every other day. If a man has a normal sperm count, sperm concentration does not decrease during daily sex.
These are some common myths that the couple have about pregnancy. If you need to know more about myths and truth associated with fertility, talk to our doctors at KIMS Cuddles for advice.
*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.