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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Yoruba mythology is rich with ancient tales, wisdom, and traditions that have influenced not only African cultures but also the global diaspora. For those interested in diving into this world, numerous books explore Yoruba mythology, spirituality, cosmology, and folklore.

Below are nine insightful books that highlight Yoruba mythology and indigenous knowledge, perfect for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

1. Forest of A Thousand Daemons: A Hunter’s Saga

This is the first novel written in Yoruba, penned by D.O. Fagunwa and translated into English by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. The novel revolves around Akara-ogun, the son of a brave warrior and a witch, who embarks on a mythical journey through a magical forest.

Blending folklore and mythology, this adventure offers an incredible glimpse into Yoruba cosmology, where humans and supernatural beings coexist seamlessly. It’s a classic in Yoruba literature and an essential read for understanding Yoruba mythic storytelling.

2. What the Forest Told Me: Yoruba Hunter, Culture and Narrative Performance

This book, written by Ayo Adeduntan, takes a different angle by focusing on the storytelling culture within Yoruba hunter traditions. It provides valuable insights into the intersection of indigenous knowledge, oral performance, and culture.

Yoruba hunters’ stories reveal a rich connection between the natural and supernatural worlds, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of Yoruba culture. These narratives allow readers to explore a side of Yoruba life rarely discussed in mainstream conversations.

3. Osun Across the Waters: A Yoruba Goddess in Africa and the Americas

Edited by Joseph M. Murphy and Mei-Mei Sanford, this scholarly work traces the influence of Osun, one of the most revered Yoruba goddesses. Osun is a deity of love, fertility, and rivers, and her worship has transcended Africa to reach the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade.

This book includes essays from 17 contributors and explores the goddess’s worship in various global contexts, showcasing how Yoruba spiritual practices have evolved in new environments while maintaining their core essence.

4. Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens: The Divine Feminine in the African Religious Traditions

Written by Lilith Dorsey, this book highlights the role of female deities and spirits in African and African diaspora religions, with a particular focus on Yoruba orishas like Oshun, Yemoja, and Oya.

Dorsey delves into how the divine feminine shapes the religious and cultural lives of Yoruba adherents, providing a modern interpretation of ancient traditions.

5. Encyclopedia of the Yoruba

This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in Yoruba culture, mythology, and history. The book contains 285 entries on various aspects of Yoruba life, from biographies of influential figures to explanations of political institutions, traditional beliefs, and religious practices.

It is a comprehensive guide for both beginners and advanced readers looking to understand the breadth and depth of Yoruba knowledge systems.

6. The Palm-Wine Drinkard

Written by Amos Tutuola, this novel is a surreal, allegorical tale that weaves in Yoruba folklore and mythology. It follows the journey of a man who ventures into the land of the dead to retrieve his deceased palm wine tapster. Along the way, he encounters strange, otherworldly creatures and spirits, all reflecting the rich tapestry of Yoruba cosmology.

This novel, with its blend of humour and horror, is a must-read for those looking for a modern, fictional take on traditional Yoruba stories.

7. Children of Blood and Bone

Tomi Adeyemi’s fantasy novel brings Yoruba mythology into the realm of young adult fiction. The story follows Zélie Adebola as she attempts to bring magic back to the land of Orïsha, where magic-wielding maji were wiped out by a brutal king.

Although a work of fantasy, the novel draws heavily from Yoruba cosmology and themes. This makes it a popular modern retelling of traditional Yoruba beliefs.

8. Yoruba Theology and Tradition: The Worship

This work, written by Ayo Salami, offers a detailed examination of the worship of the orishas. This is the pantheon of Yoruba deities. The book presents a nuanced perspective on Yoruba spirituality. It also shows the role that orishas play in the everyday lives of Yoruba people. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the spiritual aspects of Yoruba mythology.

9. Osun Seegesi: The Elegant Deity of Wealth, Power, and Femininity

This book, authored by Diedre L. Badejo, focuses exclusively on Osun, one of the most prominent Yoruba deities. Known for her association with rivers, fertility, and beauty, Osun is celebrated for her duality as a nurturer and powerful force.

The book blends scholarship and storytelling. Also, it provides an in-depth exploration of Osun’s role in Yoruba mythology and her significance in the broader context of African and diasporic cultures.

Conclusion

Yoruba mythology and indigenous knowledge are vast fields rich in spirituality, oral history, and cultural practices. These nine books offer various lenses through which readers can explore Yoruba cosmology. They range from the tales of mythic hunters to the global journey of the goddess Osun.

Whether you’re a scholar, a casual reader, or someone new to Yoruba mythology, these books serve as invaluable guides into one of Africa’s most influential cultures.

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