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	Infertility Myths & Misconceptions
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INFERTILITY - MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

One out of six couples have trouble conceiving sometime during their reproductive years. Infertility can be a devastating experience which can change every aspect of a couple's life. Because it is such a personal and private issue many couples do not share this experience openly with friends and family. As a result they suffer intensely and feel isolated. It also gives rise to a host of myths and misconceptions some of which have been listed here. We do hope that exploring these misconceptions will help you understand and cope with your problem slightly better.

Myth: "The inability to conceive is a woman's problem"

Fact: Not true. Infertility is equally due to male factor as a female factor. Male factor accounts for 40% of infertility, female factor accounts for 40%, combined female and male problems account for 10% and the remaining 10% are due to unexplained causes. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.

Myth: "Why me? How is it that nobody else has this problem?"

Fact: It is estimated that 1 in 6 people experience infertility at some point in their lives. Infertility is a fairly common health problem in men and women. Fortunately, a majority of cases have a specific cause for the infertility that can be treated by infertility specialists.

Myth: Incompatibility of blood groups between husband and wife can cause infertility.

Fact: Not true. There is no relation between blood groups and fertility.

Myth: Pregnancy will occur if you just give it enough time.

Fact: A certain time period should be given for conception to occur, but if pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, couples should seek consultation with an infertility specialist. For couples over 35 years of age, it should be after six months of unprotected intercourse.

Myth: If you adopt a baby you will get pregnant.

Fact: This is a fallacy since studies prove that the pregnancy rate after adopting is 5%, the same as for those who do not adopt.

Myth: "You should have sex every day if you want to conceive"

Fact: Not true. Normal, healthy sperm remain active in the woman's reproductive system for 48-72 hours. Therefore having intercourse at 36-48 hour intervals around the time of ovulation is usually adequate. In fact, if the man has a low sperm count that replenishes slowly, having sex every day may be counterproductive.

Myth: I have no problems having sex. Since I am virile, my sperm count must be normal.

Fact: There is no correlation between male fertility and virility. Men with totally normal sex drives may have no sperms at all.

Myth: The reason I'm not getting pregnant is because most of the sperm leaks out of the vagina after intercourse.

Fact: Not true. Loss of seminal fluid after intercourse is perfectly normal, and most women have some discharge immediately after sex. Many infertile couples imagine that this is the cause of their problem. If your partner had his climax inside you, then you can be sure that no matter how much fluid you lose afterwards, enough sperm will reach the cervical mucus. This discharge is not a cause of infertility.

Myth: The pill causes infertility

Fact: There is no connection between fertility problems and using contraceptive pills for any length of time. This is amply justified by the number 'of women who have become pregnant because they forgot to take their pill.

Myth: A man's sperm count will be the same each time it is examined.

Fact: Not true. A man's sperm count varies from time to time. Sperm number and motility can be affected by time between ejaculations, illness, and medications. Lifestyle changes - such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and staying out of hot tubs — may also help.

Myth: A man can judge his fertility by the thickness and volume of his semen.

Fact : The volume and consistency of the semen is not related to its fertility potential, which depends upon the sperm count. This can only be assessed by microscopic examination.

Myth: I cannot afford to ask too many questions. It may irritate the doctor

Fact: The physician/patient team is important. You need to be informed about what treatments are available. What is right for one couple may not be right for another. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctor. A second opinion can also be helpful. If needed, discuss this option with your physician.

Myth: I cannot take time off from infertility treatment for any reason... This month may just be THE 1 one!

Fact: Continuity in treatment is important, but sometimes a break can provide needed rest and renewal for the next step intreatment.