Myths and Facts About Female Infertility You Should Know
Many couples all over the world are trying to get pregnant and can’t wait for kids. Unfortunately, many of them are unable to have children. Some couples are looking for treatment and other possible ways out while others become depressed and stop discussing this topic.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about infertility that strengthen women’s belief that they will never have a child. However, only a doctor can evaluate your condition and define the cause of your infertility. In this article, we have gathered the most common myths and facts about female infertility you should know.
Myths and Facts About Female Infertility You Should Know
Myth 1: Infertility affects only women
Fact: Even though most people blame women for the inability to conceive, men can also be infertile. Additionally, the number of infertile men and women is almost equal. The main thing is that some men don’t want to admit their inability to have children and claim that the problem is in women.
If you have had regular (2-3 times a weak) unprotected sex during a year and still can’t conceive, you can be considered infertile. If you want to change the situation, both of you should be examined by a doctor. Timely treatment of certain health issues can improve your chances to conceive in the nearest future.
Myth 2: Women after their 40s can’t get pregnant
Fact: Indeed, the women’s ability to conceive decreases after 40 but it is still possible to have a child or a few in the late 40s and even 50s. But if a woman hasn’t been able to get pregnant and hasn’t sought medical attention in her 20s, her chances are unlikely to improve after her 40s.
Myth 3: A woman can conceive only during one day of her cycle
Fact: Some people think that it is possible to get pregnant only during one day of ovulation. The reality is that a woman can conceive four to five days before the egg is released.
This time is called a “fertility window”. Additionally, sperm can live up to five days in a suitable environment (like your uterus) and fertilize the egg during ovulation.
You should know that in some women, ovulation can occur anytime between periods. Additionally, some women can ovulate even during the last days of menstruation. Due to the fact that many women can’t feel the occurrence of ovulation, it is better to try getting pregnant right after the periods until the 18th day of the cycle.
Myth 4: Female infertility is congenital
Fact: Even though there are some women that have congenital defects of their reproductive systems, much more women can’t conceive because of certain health issues. For example, endometriosis is deemed to be one of the most common causes of female infertility.
Timely and proper treatment can ease unpleasant symptoms of endometriosis and improve your chances to get pregnant.
Myth 5: Women who used hormonal contraception can’t conceive
Fact: Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy only when you use it. Many women conceived even when they skipped a single birth control pill or were a bit late with birth control implants or other contraception options. That’s why it is essential to follow the prescription thoroughly.
Hormonal contraception releases the dose of hormone or hormones that is necessary to suppress ovulation. When you don’t take pills or other contraceptives, your hormones act as usual. Additionally, hormonal contraception can be prescribed to treat certain health issues that can interfere with getting pregnant.
Myth 6: Women with irregular cycles are infertile
Irregular periods means that your cycle is different from month to month. It is important to understand that there are a lot of causes that can contribute to irregular periods. The most common of them are:
- Stress
- Excessive exercising
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Hormonal imbalance
Even though some of these factors can cause problems with conception, irregular periods do not always indicate infertility. Additionally, most of the aforementioned health issues can be treated and you may increase your chances to conceive.
Myth 7: A women that already have a child can’t be infertile
Fact: You should know that if a couple already has a child, it doesn’t mean that they can easily get pregnant and have more children. For example, pregnancy can cause various complications that require a hysterectomy or other surgical interventions that may affect the reproductive ability of a woman.
Additionally, if a woman has a child and then had an abortion, her chance to get pregnant again can be decreased significantly. That’s why it is better not to rely on myths or rumors and undergo a thorough examination if you have problems with conception.
Myth 8: Women who had adopted a child can easily conceive
Fact: Indeed, some couples that couldn’t conceive, have decided to adopt a child and the women become pregnant over time. But there is no proven information that will definitely highlight an adoption as an infertility treatment. Having children (yours or adopted) is a great way to create a big family. The reality is that only about 5 percent of couples who adopt a child conceived over time.
The bottom line
If you experience problems with Female Infertility to getting pregnant, don’t waste time, and seek professional treatment as soon as possible. You should understand that many medical health issues that interfere with fertility can be easily treated in the initial stages. It is essential to examine and treat (if needed) both partners to achieve better results.
