FERTILITY -MYTHS VERSUS TRUTH - Dr Prashant Joshi IVF Specialist Doctor /Fertility Specialist at Jayanagar Bangalore
Fertility is a topic that is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. These myths can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and confusion for individuals who are trying to conceive. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common fertility myths and separate them from the truth.
Myth: Infertility is always a woman's problem.
Truth: Infertility can be caused by male or female factors, or a combination of both. In fact, male infertility is a factor in about 40% of infertility cases. Common causes of male infertility include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape.
Myth: Age doesn't matter when it comes to fertility.
Truth: Age is a crucial factor in fertility. As women age, their fertility declines, and the risk of miscarriage and birth defects increases. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and the quality of those eggs declines with age. By age 35, a woman's fertility starts to decline rapidly, and by age 40, her chances of conceiving naturally decrease significantly.
Myth: A woman can't get pregnant while on her period.
Truth: While it is less likely, it is possible to get pregnant while on your period. Sperm can survive for up to five days in the female reproductive system, so if a woman has sex towards the end of her period and ovulates within a few days, she could become pregnant.
Myth: Fertility treatments always result in multiple births.
Truth: While some fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the chances of multiple births, it is not a guarantee. Doctors can control the number of embryos transferred during an IVF cycle, reducing the risk of multiple births. Additionally, some fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), do not increase the risk of multiple births.
Myth: Stress causes infertility.
Truth: While stress can have a negative impact on overall health and wellbeing, there is no conclusive evidence that it directly causes infertility. However, stress can indirectly affect fertility by disrupting the menstrual cycle or interfering with ovulation.
Myth: A man's sexual performance does not affect fertility.
Truth: A man's sexual performance can have an impact on fertility. If a man has difficulty maintaining an erection or ejaculating, it can make conception more difficult. Additionally, certain medications used to treat erectile dysfunction can affect sperm production.
Myth: Certain sexual positions increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Truth: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that certain sexual positions increase the chances of getting pregnant. The best way to increase the chances of conception is to have regular, unprotected sex during the woman's fertile window.
In conclusion, there are many fertility myths that can cause unnecessary stress and confusion. It is essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to fertility. If you are having difficulty conceiving, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can provide accurate information and help you navigate your fertility journey.FERTILITY
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