Infertility can be an emotional rollercoaster. However, misconceptions can get in the way of making this journey even worse than it is. Making informed decisions requires separating fact from fiction on your road to fertility. Here we dispel five of the more common myths about infertility with accurate information to keep you on track.
Myth 1: Infertility Is Always the Woman’s Issue
Perhaps the most common infertility myth is that it is a woman’s issue. Infertility plagues both men and women. In fact, in about 30% of cases where infertility is an issue, male-related problems are the culprit. Both partners need to be tested in order to determine the area of the problem.
Myth 2: Age Does Not Affect Male Fertility
While it may be taken as true that the woman’s fertility goes with age, the opposite belief that men remain fertile throughout life is a fallacy. Even though men make sperm throughout their lives, their quality and numbers can lower with age. This adds to infertility problems and the risk of certain genetic conditions in offspring.
Myth 3: Infertility Only Affects Those with Unhealthy Lifestyles
While the various lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and poor nutrition may all have effects on fertility, it is not right to say that infertility occurs among those with poor lifestyle factors. Many of the causes for infertility are beyond one’s control since most of them are medically related, ranging from PCOS and endometriosis to genetic factors. Maintenance of a healthy lifestyle would be important in general health but cannot guarantee one against infertility.
Myth 4: You Just Need to Relax, and It Will Happen
This may be the most painful myth for people with infertility issues. While controlling stress is healthy in general, stating that infertility is only a psychological problem minimizes real medical complications that many couples go through. In most cases, the causes of infertility are physical; therefore, professional medical intervention is usually the only effective way to diagnose and treat it.
Myth 5: Only IVF is the treatment for infertility.
Most people think that most of the time, IVF is the only method for infertility treatment, while many of the problems can be solved by less invasive methods like medication or changes in lifestyles. Depending on the detected cause, your doctor may also suggest intrauterine insemination, surgery, or hormonal treatments. One of several infertility treatment options, IVF is reserved for more complex cases.
Banishing the Infertility Myths: Why This Is So Crucial
This talk about infertility myths is important in that it helps to clear up any misconceptions so that you do not have unnecessary stress getting in the way of your journey to parenthood. In fact, infertility is somewhat complicated and different for everyone. With proper information on board and expert advice, one is in a better position of making informed choices and making sure of the best way forward.
By dispelling these common infertility myths, we hope to help bring attention to the truth about infertility and encourage a more understanding dialogue regarding this sensitive issue. Remember, infertility is a medical condition that can affect anyone, and there are lots of options for people desiring to add children to their families. If you have been trying to get pregnant and are experiencing difficulties, a consultation with a fertility specialist may provide the clarity and support you seek.
