Infertility is still a tricky topic to talk about when it comes to social circles. More often than not, people have several misconceptions about fertility, IVF, and fertility treatments in general. They tend to be spoken about so much that even those who are trying to conceive may start believing them.
Here are some common myths related to infertility, and fertility treatments, and the truths associated with the same:
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Infertility is mostly due to females
While many people believe that infertility is caused only due to the females, the truth is that it can occur in both males and females. In couples experiencing infertility, about one third will struggle with male fertility. Another third struggles with female infertility, while the rest will either face both male and female fertility issues, and unexplained infertility.
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If a man can ejaculate, he cannot be infertile
Most men do not see any visible or obvious signs of infertility. Healthy erectile function and normal ejaculation does not mean you’re fertile. Problems with sperm count, shape and movement are the main causes of male infertility. That said, erectile dysfunction can also be a possible symptom of a fertility problem.
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Infertility means you can never get pregnant on your own
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant even after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse. People who have been diagnosed with infertility can and do get pregnant without fertility treatments. However, it also depends on several factors that caused their reduced fertility, age, and how long they have been trying. The chances are low but it does not mean it will never happen.
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Adoption can help you relax and get pregnant
Many times, people have conceived after adoption. It should be remembered that adoption is not a fertility drug. Neither adoption nor relaxing is the reason for your pregnancy to occur. Couples may also get pregnant after needing IVF previously. There may be many reasons why you get pregnant after trying unsuccessfully, but adoption is certainly not one of them.
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Most people need IVF treatments
People may think that IVF is the only way to get pregnant and is the most common fertility treatment available. As per statistics, less than 5 percent of all infertility treatments used involve IVF. Your need for IVF will depend on the reasons why you can’t get pregnant. Blocked fallopian tubes and severe male infertility require IVF treatment, but there are other reasons your doctor may recommend moving on to this treatment.
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Young Couples cannot be infertile
While it is true that the older you are, the more likely you are to face infertility. However, young men and women also face infertility. Age-related infertility is the only possible cause of decreased fertility. According to statistics by Center for Disease Control (CDC), 9 percent of women aged between 18 to 29 report difficulty getting or staying pregnant. For women between ages 30 to 34, that percentage increases to 14 percent. This shows that even young couples can struggle with infertility.
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IVF always leads to multiples
While it may be true that fertility treatments increase the risk of multiples, IVF is the least likely to lead to a high-order pregnancy. With IVF treatment, embryos must be transferred back to the uterus. Except in special situations, reproductive endocrinologists do not transfer more than two embryos at a time. Compared to that, fertility drugs with or without insemination have no control over the number of fertilized eggs reaching the uterus. Even if an ultrasound shows only two follicles developing in the ovaries, it’s still possible for more than two eggs to be ovulated and fertilized. Therefore, multiples are more common with fertility drugs or insemination cycles, as compared to IVF.
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If you keep trying, you will eventually conceive
This is one of the most widespread myth about infertility and fertility treatment. When a couple decides to stop trying, other around them may tell them to keep trying and that will eventually lead to pregnancy. This isn’t true. In fact, even fertility treatments do not guarantee that a couple will conceive. They can move on to using a surrogate, an egg donor, or a sperm donor if other methods fail, but all this involves a significant amount of time, emotions and monetary costs.
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Fertility lubricants can help you conceive
In order to optimize your fertility, you should make sure you use only a sperm-friendly lubricant. Many of the typical lubricants can cause damage to sperm. However, fertility-friendly lubricants alone will not help you get pregnant if you need fertility treatments.
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If you have a kid, you need not worry about infertility
Secondary infertility is when a couple has difficulty getting pregnant after they have already conceived a child in the past. Unfortunately, previous pregnancy success doesn’t guarantee ongoing fertility success. Things can change with time and age. Sometimes, a new underlying medical condition can develop, or a fertility condition that always existed can get worse. If it didn’t prevent pregnancy before, it could become a problem later on. Sometimes, even previous pregnancy can cause a new fertility problem. For instance, surgical complications or infection after childbirth may lead to scarring. This may lead to infertility.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from infertility, it can get quite overwhelming for you. There is a lot of misconception and myths about infertility. Some information sources can also contradict the others. It is difficult to know right from wrong. In such cases, you can rely on your doctors to dispel all myths. Our experts at KIMS Cuddles are the best source for clarification on your personal diagnosis, situation, and treatment options. Make sure you visit us and get the best care, as well as information, that you need.
