How much do you know about fertility and conception? You must think that you are quite aware but hold on! There are many myths and rumors surrounding fertility based on old wives tales or just superstitions.
Here in this article, we dispel some common fertility myths and give you the facts.
1. Fertility in men is infinite: After the age of 40, fertility gets affected even in males, in terms of quality and volume of semen.
2. Staying fit ensures my sexual health after 35: Female fertility peaks between the age of 20 and 30, and declines rapidly after that. Irrespective of physical health, sexual health has its own clock.
3. Smoking is not related in any sense to fertility: Almost 13% female infertility relates to smoking. Fertility rates are known to decrease, both in men and women, who smoke even 3 cigarettes a day.
4. Foods boost fertility: Food provides nutrients that ensure one’s overall sexual health.
5. Coffee is a loyal friend: Caffeine lowers fertility in both sexes equally and should be consumed in regulated amounts.
6. Alcohol consumption doesn’t affect fertility: Immoderate drinking habits lead to irregular cycles and increase chances of infertility. Also, it reduces testosterone levels in males.
7. “Missionary Style” is the only way to conceive: Sex can be fun even while family planning. All that is needed is a deep penetration and ejaculation.
8. Lifting legs post “the act” for 20 minutes ensures pregnancy: Sperms defy gravitational rules and, anyhow, travel up the uterus, thereby making the lifting process entirely irrelevant.
9. Daily sex boosts chances of pregnancy: Sperm concentration is not related to the frequency of sexual acts.
10. Orgasm is necessary to conceive: It certainly helps in contracting uterus, thereby aiding the sperm to travel up to the fallopian tube, but it is not a mandate.
11. Regular periods ensure sexual health: Periods indicate the occurrence of ovulation, however, it does not negate any chances of infertility in women, which may be accounted to some other logic.
12. Pregnancy is impossible over a period: If the bleeding is not menstrual or when ovulation overlaps menstruation, chances of getting pregnant are equally viable over a period, while without it.
13. Fertility is hugely affected by pill: As long as there is no other related issue, going back to the regular menstrual track is almost immediate after discontinuing the pill.
14. Fertility follows family patterns: Although age or any related pattern may be common in a family, it doesn’t define any fertility template for the subsequent generation.
15. A successful first pregnancy ensures fertility for subsequent: Unnoticed complications from a previous pregnancy might prove to be a factor for infertility the following ones.
16. Post-partum period arrests fertility: Breastfeeding does keep a woman less fertile for longer. However, you still stand a 1.2% chance of conceiving.
Most of these notions have traveled generations as “wisdom”, and stand no substantial grounds in today’s enlightened society While the scenario of a huge infertile population is a challenge to fight, common misconceptions can be hugely avoided to create a positive atmosphere to thrive and grow.
**Consult India’s best doctors here**
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