Infertility Treatment Myths vs Facts: What Couples Need to Know

A Brief Overview About Infertility

Being unable to conceive after a year of unprotected, regular intercourse is the general definition of infertility.

Many people think it is really rare, but actually, infertility impacts a very large number of couples worldwide. About one in six people, according to medical research, faces fertility problems once in their reproductive years. Most importantly, infertility should not be seen as a woman’s only problem. Apart from women’s reproductive conditions, men’s factors like low sperm count or poor sperm quality account for a large number of cases. 

Besides that, the good news is that present medical science is equipped with diagnostic measures and therapeutic courses that can help couples in recognizing fertility-related issues and also in dealing with them effectively.

Infertility Treatment Myths vs Facts 

In spite of increasing awareness around reproductive health, infertility is still laden with myths that can easily mislead couples and even lead to postponing proper treatment of infertility. Acknowledging the difference between myths and facts is a significant step in helping to make informed decisions.

Myth 1: It is always the woman who is infertile

Fact: Infertility is not exclusively a woman’s issue. Studies have indicated that male fertility problems account for 40, 50% of the cases, a figure roughly equivalent to that of female factors. There is also a considerable percentage where problems have been detected in both partners or are unexplained.Going by this, the process of fertility testing is generally conducted on both partners so that the root cause can be pinpointed accurately.

Myth 2: Couples have to try on their own for one whole year before they see a doctor

Fact: Although it is general advice for couples who are under 35 to try for one year before seeking help, this is not a standard for all. Women who are 35 or older should see a doctor after six months of trying. If there are reproductive or medical risks, abnormal cycles, or history of miscarriages, a doctor might recommend an earlier assessment.

Myth 3: Women cannot have babies after 35

Fact: The risk of fertility problems in women gradually increases with age and especially after 35, however, getting pregnant is still possible. In fact, a lot of women manage to get pregnant on their own or with some medical help even after this age. With the help of fertility treatments and medical advice at an early stage, the chances of getting pregnant can be much improved.

Myth 4: IVF guarantees pregnancy

Fact: In vitro fertilization is a highly effective method of treatment for fertility issues but it is a sure-shot for a baby. Results rely on a wide range of factors such as age, healthy eggs, sperm quality, and reproductive health. A fertility doctor can check these aspects and suggest the best plan of treatment for you.

Myth 5: Birth control causes permanent infertility

Fact: Using hormonal birth control methods like birth control pills, implants or IUDs do not lead to lifelong infertility. Most women get back their ovulation cycle within a few months after stopping birth control. Sometimes it takes a little longer for hormones to get back to normal but in general, fertility comes back on its own.

Myth 6: Lifestyle choices do not affect fertility

Fact: Lifestyle changes can and often do affect reproductive health. Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, unhealthy eating, being overweight, and having a lot of stress can harm the quality of eggs and sperm. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and lowering stress can really make a difference when it comes to fertility and overall health.

Myth 7: If a man can ejaculate, he is fertile

Fact: Male fertility is primarily determined by the sperm quality. Besides sperm count, the chances of conception are also affected by sperm motility (movement) and morphology (shape). Usually, you will not find any obvious sign of these changes which is one of the reasons that medical testing is necessary to detect them.

Myth 8: Irregular periods always mean infertility

Fact: Irregular menstrual cycles certainly can complicate the timing of ovulation, but they don’t necessarily imply female infertility. Besides hormonal problems, stress, sleep disturbances, or some illnesses may also be the reasons for the irregularities. Many women with irregular cycles can still get pregnant (with proper medical help).

Myth 9: Infertility only affects older couples

Fact: Although the chance of getting pregnant drops as a woman ages, infertility is not limited to the elderly and can be a problem for people in their twenties and early thirties as well. Younger individuals may also develop fertility issues due to medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, infections, or inherited factors. 

Myth 10: Infertility is always curable

Fact: It’s true that lots of infertility cases can be cured, but not all couples who suffer from infertility will get pregnant by medical treatment only. Some couples may need to use more sophisticated reproductive technology, while others may think of other ways of parenting such as adoption or surrogacy. A thoughtful doctor can help the couples to clearly understand their options and make decisions that are right for them.

Final Thoughts 

To diagnose and treat the cause of infertility, it is essential to have a consultation with a doctor who will order a series of tests to find out whether a couple has a fertility problem and what the possible treatment options are.

If you want to have children and are looking for expert advice and care by a kind and friendly team, you may visit the specialists at Sarvesh Health City. You’ll find a team of the best gynaecologist in Hisar who, besides being highly qualified medically, help couples fulfill their dream of parenthood through the latest medical technologies.