• 07 Mar, 2025
• drsmritisparsh@360
• No comment

Common Fertility Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know

Fertility is a big topic, and since there are many myths and misconceptions about infertility, you can be confused and stressed out, and worse, it could stop you from seeking the right treatment. Dr. Smriti Sparsh at Secretstalk Clinic believes in providing accurate information to the people and couples about fertility.

Hence in this blog, we will explore some of the most common fertility myths that you would want to know if you are planning to have your own living child or if you are getting married and are looking for having a baby.

Myth 1: Infertility Is Always a Woman’s Problem

Fact: Infertility affects both men and women equally.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that fertility issues are solely a woman’s concern. In reality:

• 1/3 of infertility cases are due to female factors.
• 1/3 of cases are due to male factors.
• 1/3 involve both partners or have unexplained causes.

Several reasons can cause infertility in men — poor sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal imbalances or genetic conditions. For that reason, both partners should be included in fertility evaluations.

Myth 2: If You Already Have a Child, You Won’t Experience Infertility

Fact: Secondary infertility is real and can affect couples after having a successful pregnancy.

Many believe that if they conceived naturally before, they won’t face fertility issues in the future. However, as many experience secondary infertility, the inability to conceive after a previous pregnancy, it can be caused by:

• Age-related decline in egg quality
• Hormonal changes
• Complications from previous pregnancies or surgeries
• Male factor infertility that has developed over time

Seeking medical advice is crucial if you’re struggling to conceive again.

Myth 3: Age Only Affects Women’s Fertility

Fact: While female fertility declines with age, men’s fertility can also decrease over time.

 Older men may have:

• Lower sperm motility
• Higher chances of DNA fragmentation
• Increased risk of genetic conditions in offspring

Both partners should consider age when planning for conception.

Myth 4: Lifestyle Doesn’t Impact Fertility

Fact: Diet, exercise, and overall health play a significant role in reproductive health.

Lifestyle choices have a direct impact on fertility. Factors that can negatively affect fertility include:

• Smoking – Lowers egg and sperm quality.
• Excessive alcohol consumption – Disrupts hormonal balance.
• Poor diet and lack of exercise – Can lead to obesity, PCOS, and hormonal imbalances.
• Chronic stress – Affects ovulation and sperm production.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve fertility and boost treatment success rates.

Conclusion

One of the facts or statistics is that after the age of 35, a woman’s fertility starts to decline and, naturally, women are born with a certain number of eggs. But men can also suffer age-related fertility decline; sperm quality starts dropping off after age 40–45.

With misinformation on fertility, there can be undue delays in getting help. Knowledge about infertility allows you to make reasoned decisions and carry out the right procedures that can lead to a successful pregnancy