5 Myths About Infertility - Truth Behind the Myth

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Infertility is the inability to conceive after 1 year of regular unprotected sex or to carry a pregnancy to term. When you are dealing with a condition like infertility, it can be easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of what you’re going through. 

The feeling of isolation, coupled with the societal pressure to have children, can make it feel almost impossible for many couples that struggle with infertility. However, there are things that every patient and couple dealing with this condition can take advantage of as well. 

Having an understanding of the common myths surrounding fertility can help you accept where you are in life and put your mind at ease about the future as well. We’ve outlined some of the most common misconceptions about infertility below so that you have a better idea of where your situation stands.

1. Only female infertility is real

It’s not true that only women struggle with infertility. In fact, up to 40-50 percent of infertility cases are found in men. Additionally, there is a difference between male and female infertility. Some of the most common causes of female infertility include problems with ovulation, gynecological conditions (like endometriosis and uterine fibroids), or hormonal imbalances. 

Male fertility issues can be due to genetic abnormalities or sperm production problems. In this case, both partners should be examined and tested simultaneously since both men and women can have problems with fertility. However, many people still believe that only women have problems with fertility.

2. Couples with infertility should adopt

Some people believe that couples with infertility should adopt, as a way to have children. However, adoption can be challenging for many reasons, including the time and money it takes to consider adopting. If you are considering adding to your family through adoption, it is important to understand what the process will entail. 

Adoption also comes with its own set of possible risks. Even though some adoptions are successful (and there are no known cases in which a child was harmed by an adoptive parent), there may be potential risk factors if you choose to adopt.

3. Sex is the only key to conception

Some people think that sex is the only key to conception. In reality, it’s not as easy as that. The important part of this myth is the mindset behind it. You shouldn't worry about not being able to get pregnant through sex. Fortunately, modern medicine provides in vitro fertilization (IVF) and some other options that can help you successfully conceive. 

4. The only treatment for infertility is in vitro fertilization

IVF is one of the most common treatments for infertility, but there are many effective treatments that aren’t just limited to IVF. One treatment option includes intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is a process where sperm is inserted into the uterus to attempt natural conception. There are also other methods such as clomiphene citrate and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. 

5. There is no cure for infertility

This is not true. There is a variety of treatment options that can help with fertility and many different ways to conceive a child. It’s just that some methods are more effective than others. For example, if you have problems with getting pregnant because a uterine fibroid blocks the fallopian tube, the fibroid removal can help you cope with this issue. 

The bottom line

Unfortunately, myths about infertility continue to plague the medical community and the general public. The myths about infertility are, for the most part, not true. There are a number of treatments for infertility In the end, it is possible to conceive and have a baby, even if your fertility is low.