It’s understandable to have some preconceived notions about fertility and conception, given the prevalence of myths and superstitions in this area. However, it’s important to recognize that our knowledge may not always be as comprehensive as we think.
Many common myths about fertility are actually based on old wives’ tales or unfounded cultural traditions, rather than scientific evidence. These misconceptions can lead to unnecessary anxiety or the adoption of ineffective practices when trying to conceive.
It’s crucial to have a deeper understanding of the actual biological processes and factors that influence fertility. This knowledge can help individuals and couples make informed decisions and seek appropriate medical advice when needed. Relying solely on hearsay or unsubstantiated myths can hinder the path to fertility and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
By approaching the topic of fertility with an open and curious mindset, we can better separate fact from the myths. Seeking information from reliable, evidence-based sources can empower us to make well-informed choices and navigate the often complex journey of conception.
Understanding the realities of fertility can lead to more realistic expectations and a greater sense of control during this significant life experience.
What are some fertility myths that should be debunked?
1. Swallowing semen gives you a fertility boost.
False: The only way sperm aids fertility is when it’s inside the vaginal canal or fallopian tubes, making its way toward the egg. While semen does contain some protein, there are far more efficient and nutritious ways to meet your daily requirements than through oral sex.
Rest assured, engaging in oral sex, masturbation, or anything else that results in ejaculation won’t negatively affect a man’s sperm count. In fact, these activities are healthy during the conception process. For more on this topic, see myth number 17.
2. Having sex in the morning gives you a fertility boost.
False: The belief that a man produces more sperm overnight, making morning sex more effective for conception, is largely unfounded. While some studies suggest sperm count may be slightly higher in the morning, the difference is negligible.
It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, and sperm counts generally range between 75 to 76 million. The most important factor is having intercourse during the fertile window, regardless of the time of day.
3. You should have sex every day to boost your fertility.
False: Conception can only occur during the 5-6 days of a woman’s fertile window, meaning the rest of the month is infertile. While having intercourse multiple times during the fertile window can increase your chances, having sex outside of this period won’t impact fertility.
If you’re in the mood for sex at other times, go for it—it can still help you bond with your partner, even if it doesn’t directly contribute to making a baby.
4. Hang upside down for 20 minutes after sex to help sperm reach your egg.
False: Sperm are highly efficient swimmers, chemically programmed to reach the egg without assistance. There’s no need to rely on gravity or awkward positions, such as raising your legs or doing a handstand, to help the sperm reach their destination.
Research hasn’t shown any benefit from these methods, and they’re likely to cause more discomfort than help in your journey to conceive.
5. Women in their twenties don’t have fertility issues.
False: Although fertility does decline with age, women in their twenties can still experience fertility problems. Many young women struggle with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, or other fertility-related issues.
Lifestyle factors such as weight, medications, and athletic training also play a role. Fertility issues aren’t limited to age, so it’s important to be sensitive to this reality.
6. Masturbation lowers a man’s fertility.
False: The idea that frequent masturbation drains a man’s sperm supply and reduces fertility is a long-standing myth. In reality, regular masturbation can help keep the male reproductive system functioning efficiently.
It removes older sperm and replaces them with newer, more viable sperm that may have better motility. This actually benefits fertility rather than harming it.
7. The size of a man’s penis or testicles affects how fertile he is.
False: This myth likely stems from societal pressures that equate larger genitalia with virility, masculinity, and fertility. However, penis size has no bearing on a man’s ability to conceive.
As long as he is healthy and can ejaculate, size doesn’t matter. Fertility depends on sperm quality, not physical attributes like penis size.
8. You can “sync” with other women’s cycles and get your period when they do, hurting your chance of getting pregnant.
False: The concept of menstrual synchrony, where women who spend a lot of time together get their periods at the same time, gained popularity after a 1971 study. However, more recent research has failed to support this theory.
Periods may overlap by chance, but there’s no need to worry that syncing cycles with other women will affect your ability to conceive.
9. You can conceive a boy or a girl by doing certain things.
False: There are numerous myths surrounding how to influence the sex of your baby, such as placing a wooden spoon and scissors under your bed for a girl or keeping your partner’s testicles warm for a boy. Others suggest that timing intercourse early in the fertile window leads to conceiving a boy, while later increases the chances for a girl.
Despite the many variations of these myths, none of them are backed by scientific evidence. Even popular methods like the Shettles and Whelan strategies contradict each other. Focus on conceiving a healthy baby, and the sex will reveal itself in time.
10. You need to have an orgasm to conceive.
False: While orgasms may help sperm reach the egg through uterine contractions, they’re not required for conception. If orgasms were essential for pregnancy, infertility rates would be significantly higher, given that many women don’t orgasm from intercourse alone.
11. Orgasms cause women to release eggs.
False: Ovulation is driven by the gradual buildup of estrogen over several days and isn’t triggered by orgasms. While orgasms release oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions that may help pull sperm towards the egg, they do not influence the actual release of an egg.
12. You’ll have twins if you eat yams.
Unconfirmed, but probably false: This myth originated when researchers observed that twin births were four times more common in West Africa than in the rest of the world.
To find the cause, they examined the local diet, which consisted mainly of cassava plants, a type of yam. However, there has never been a conclusive link between a diet rich in yams and an increased chance of conceiving twins.
Given that yams are starchy and low in nutritional value, adopting a yam-based diet with the hope of having multiples isn’t recommended.
13. You can get pregnant during your period.
False, with a caveat: While it’s technically impossible to conceive during your period, sperm can survive in the vaginal tract for up to five days.
If you have sex towards the end of your period and ovulate shortly after, there’s a small chance of pregnancy. While it’s rare, the possibility exists due to sperm longevity.
14. Missionary position is the only way you can get pregnant.
False: This myth is likely related to misconceptions about gravity’s role in sperm movement. In reality, you can conceive in any position, including woman-on-top.
There’s no evidence that any one position is more effective than another when it comes to conception. Choose whatever position feels best for you.
15. Infertility is always the woman’s fault…or the man’s fault.
False: The causes of infertility are evenly divided between men and women. In about 40% of cases, infertility is due to issues with the woman, while another 40% are due to male factors.
The remaining 20% are unexplained. If you’re struggling to conceive, don’t rush to assign blame. Seeing a fertility specialist is the best way to determine the cause.
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