One out of six couples have trouble conceiving sometime during their reproductive years. Infertility can be a devastating experience which can change every aspect of a couple’s life. Because it such a personal and private issue many couples do not share this experience openly with friends and family. As a result they suffer intensely and feel isolated. It also gives rise to a host of myths and misconceptions some of which have been listed here. We do hope that exploring these misconceptions will help you understand and cope with your problem slightly better.
Not true. Infertility is equally due to male factor as a female factor. Male factor accounts for 40% of infertility, female factor accounts for 40%, combined female and male problems account for 10% and the remaining 10% are due to unexplained causes. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.
It is estimated that 1 in 6 people experience infertility at some point in their lives. Infertility is a fairly common health problem in men and women. Fortunately, a majority of cases have a specific cause for the infertility that can be treated by infertility specialists.
Fact: Not true. There is no relation between blood groups and fertility.
A certain time period should be given for conception to occur, but if pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, couples should seek consultation with an infertility specialist. For couples over 35 years of age, it should be after six months of unprotected intercourse.
This is a fallacy since studies prove that the pregnancy rate after adopting is 5%, the same as for those who do not adopt.
Not true. Normal, healthy sperm remain active in the woman’s reproductive system for 48-72 hours. Therefore having intercourse at 336-48 hour intervals around the time of ovulation is usually adequate. In fact, if the man has a low sperm count that replenishes slowly, having sex every day may be counterproductive.
There is no correlation between male fertility and virility. Men with totally normal sex drives may have no sperms at all.
Not true. Loss of seminal fluid after intercourse is perfectly normal, and most women have some discharge immediately sex. Many infertile couples imagine that this is the cause of their problem. If your partner had his climax inside you, then you can be sure that o matter how much fluid you lose afterwards, enough sperm will reach the cervical mucus. This discharge is not a cause of infertility.
Not true. Masturbation is a normal activity which most boys and men indulge in. It does not affect the sperm count. Sperms are constantly being produced in the testes, therefore earlier sexual activity does not affect the sperm count. However the sperm count can be affected by other factors including environmental factors, alcohol, smoking etc.
Painful periods do not affect fertility. In fact, for most patients, regular painful periods usually are a sign of ovulatory cycles which, in fact, is a sign of fertility. However, progressively worsening pain during periods may indicate endometriosis – a condition which can be a cause of infertility.
This is a fast emerging trend in today’s world, with a majority of couples postponing conception due to demanding careers. Regrettably, unlike their male counterparts, there are certain boundaries for women when it comes to reproduction. The unfortunate fact is that a woman’s fertility does decline with age, and there are no treatments available that can “turn back the clock” on a woman’s ovaries.
Secondary infertility, i.e. difficulty in conceiving in spite of having one child , is almost as common as primary infertility. Unfortunately for many couples who have a child and wish to conceive again, a variety of factors can contribute to infertility.
There is no connection between fertility problems and using contraceptive pills for any length of time. This is amply justified by the number of women who have become pregnant because they forgot to take their pill.
Not true. A man’s sperm count varies from time to time. Sperm number and motility can be affected by time between ejaculations, illness, and medications. Lifestyle changes – such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and staying out of hot tubs – may also help.
The volume and consistency of the semen is not related to its fertility potential, which depends upon the sperm count. This can only be assessed by microscopic examination.
The physician/patient team is important. You need to be informed about what treatments are available. What is right for one couple may not be right for another. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your doctor. A second opinion can also be helpful. If needed, discuss this option with your physician.
Continuity in treatment is important, but sometimes a break can provide needed rest and renewal for the next step in treatment.