Top Fertility Myths Debunked

As soon as you begin to research fertility online, you will most likely find lots of information - some of which can be confusing and overwhelming. Our teams at Care Fertility are experts in fertility science and we've debunked some of the most common fertility myths for you: 

Myth #1: Taking long-term contraception can make you infertile

It is unlikely that contraception can affect your fertility. Some conceive immediately after they stop using contraception, and others may experience a temporary disruption to their menstrual cycle.

Contraception is unlikely to affect your fertility, but it can hide a potential underlying problem, such as irregular periods.

Myth #2: Most people conceive quickly

Everybody has individual circumstances that can affect how long conception may take, so it would be wrong to say that most people conceive quickly.

Approximately 1 in 6 may have difficulty conceiving; infertility is usually only diagnosed if you haven’t a year of trying. If you are concerned, we recommend that you speak to your doctor or book a consultation.

Myth #3: Age only affects female fertility

We are often made aware that egg quality naturally starts to decline when people are in their early 30s. A third of all eggs have chromosomal abnormalities by the time a person turns 40, making the eggs unable to form a viable pregnancy.

Male fertility starts to decline from around 40 to 45 years of age; as testicular function and sperm parameters deteriorate. 

Myth #4: The only solution when struggling to conceive is IVF

IVF is not the only solution when experiencing infertility. Although IVF may be the right option for you, there is a vast range of treatments available. At Care Fertility, your treatment plan is bespoke and individualised to ensure your personal needs are met, these include:

Diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests are an essential first step in understanding and addressing fertility challenges.  These tests can include blood tests to check hormone levels, ultrasounds to examine the reproductive organs, semen analysis for male partners, and other specialised procedures as needed. 

Fertility drugs

Fertility drugs are often used as a first-line treatment as they help stimulate ovulation, regulate menstrual cycles, and improve the chances of conception. Depending on your specific circumstances, fertility drugs may be administered orally or through injections. They work by influencing hormone levels to encourage the development and release of healthy eggs, significantly increasing the likelihood of pregnancy.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a less invasive fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This procedure increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, thereby enhancing the probability of fertilisation. IUI is often recommended for couples with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or in cases where donor sperm is used. 

Myth #5: Irregular periods signify infertility

Irregular periods don’t always indicate a problem; factors such as weight loss or weight gain, stress or hormones can affect your menstrual cycle.

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it can be longer or shorter. An irregular cycle can make it challenging to know when your fertile window is, and you may not ovulate regularly.

We recommend that you speak to someone if you have irregular periods, especially if your period lasts over 7 days or your periods have suddenly become irregular.

Myth #6: Good health means good fertility

You can be in good health and still struggle with conceiving; good health doesn’t guarantee ‘good fertility’. From ovulation disorders to blocked tubes, there are many factors that could contribute to infertility; we are here to help.

We recommend that when trying to conceive that you:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid excessive alcohol, and reduce caffeine intake

• Avoid smoking

• Manage your stress levels