If you Google “myths about female fertility” appear, nothing more and nothing less than 1,550,000 results, and these talk about everything…. about relationships, pregnancy possibilities, sexually transmitted diseases and even myths about fertility problems related to sexual positions or semen quality.
One and a half million results. It gives a lot to talk about.
But not only that. The search “female fertility” provides more than 5 million more results, among which there are (yes, we have verified it) many myths and half-truths.
Taboo topics lend themselves to the generation of a whole mythical literature around them that takes decades - even centuries - to change. And female sexuality has been and continues to be a taboo topic, even in our so-called modern society.
In this article we are going to detail the great myths that exist around your fertility, and we will explain to you what they are really true (if they are true).
And if you read until the end, you will be rewarded: two great truths that will help you achieve the desired pregnancy and escape false ideas when it comes to achieving pregnancy and having children.
What are the most widespread myths about female fertility?
We could make an endless list, but since your time is limited, because either you are pregnant or you are trying, we will list the top ten myths and what is the truth surrounding them.
Fertility myth #1: forty is the new 30
Fake. We already talked about the influence of age on fertility.Forty is not the new thirty, no matter how much the pace of life in today's society leads to delays. the age of finishing studies, the age of becoming independent from parents, the age of getting married or having a stable partner, and that of looking for the first child. No matter how much society has evolved up to this point, human biology still prefers thirty to forty when it comes to conceiving. Without a doubt, fertility at age 35 will be better than at age 40 and in both cases better at age 30 or less.
Fertility myth #2: infertility is almost always female
Actually, The numbers are almost the same.. Although studies show that 55% of infertility cases are female infertility, and 45% are male infertility, It is very common for problems in both parents to be combined, for example, poor semen quality with an irregular menstrual cycle or a low ovarian reserve that make the possibility of pregnancy difficult.
In the past it used to be said that “a woman did not give children to a man”, due to the cultural conceptions that existed about the family role of women. Luckily we are already very far from this point.
Fertility myth #3: female fertility plummets after 35
With this myth we have to respond ambiguously. Yes and no. Fertility begins to decline after the early 20s. But it is true that from the age of 35 the chances gradually decrease, but it does not mean that a woman looking for a pregnancy right at the age of 35 will necessarily have problems.
Fertility myth #4: The best day to get pregnant is day 14 of the cycle
It is true that the best days to conceive and have sexual relations are around ovulation, which usually occurs right in the middle of the cycle. But not all women have a regular 28-day cycle., so talking about the 14th specifically is a myth. The best days are the three or even four days surrounding the day of ovulation. How do you know when you ovulate? Either studying your cycles very well, or using ovulation tests.
But it is true that one of the myths about female fertility is that we should have sex on day 14 of the cycle, whether we have regular cycles or not. In this post I talk to you about cervical mucus and how to detect your most fertile days to achieve a pregnancy. LINK
Fertility myth #5: lying on your back after having sex promotes pregnancy
In reality, it won't do any harm, but there is no scientific basis that maintaining that (uncomfortable) position after intercourse makes it easier for the egg to be fertilized. Not at all. What is important is that the semen is ejaculated inside the vagina, the position itself of sexual relations does not matter.
Fertility myth #6: if you already have a child, conceiving will be very easy for you
Not necessarily. Fertility conditions and the ease of conceiving change and evolve with each woman and over time. There are many factors that can cause a couple to achieve a pregnancy naturally, but when looking for a second or third pregnancy they have more problems. In fact, many couples who undergo assisted reproduction or in vitro fertilization may be looking for their second or third child.
The causes are various, from low ovarian reserve to irregular menstrual cycle, low sperm quality or genetic problems in the embryos among many other causes.
Fertility myth #7: it is very likely to get pregnant the first time
Myth. And the fat ones.
The reality is that for each cycle, a couple has a 20% chance of getting pregnant. After three months, the probability increases to 57%, to 72% after six months, and after one year, the probability of pregnancy already reaches 85%.
For that reason, not. You don't get pregnant the first time. This is one of the most widespread myths about female fertility and one that most damages the self-esteem of thousands of women and couples.
Fertility myth #8: women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can only conceive with assisted reproduction methods
Not necessarily. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a cause of infertility, true, but it can be treated. By carefully analyzing ovulation, or, if the doctor so decides, administering treatments to facilitate ovulation, you can achieve pregnancy naturally.
Fertility myth #9: Women with wide hips are more fertile
This myth It comes from the supposed ease of giving birth that women with wider hips have.. In fact, a fairly common comment that pregnant women receive is whether the baby is too big for the mother's body. The reality is that all women are prepared to give birth to the baby they are carrying, and cases of macrosomia are very rare. So no, women with wide hips are not more fertile, although they could have an easier time giving birth.
Fertility myth #10: the moon affects female fertility
It's very probable that This myth arose because both lunar and menstrual cycles are usually around 28 days.. Therefore, in ancient times, many civilizations considered that the moon determined the most fertile moments of women. But no, the moon has no influence. And according to the latest studies, it seems that it does not influence the number of births when the full moon arrives either...
Truth about fertility #1: there are no great truths in female fertility
After this macro list of female fertility myths, we are going to give you a great truth: there are no great truths on this topic. Each woman is different, each pregnancy too.
#2 Fertility Truth: Lifestyle Matters When Conceiving
If you want advice (not myths) to improve female fertility, focus on your lifestyle (and that of your partner). Eat well, eliminate alcohol and tobacco, exercise and release stress.
It's not very grandiose advice, but it works.
I hope that with this post it is clear to you that achieving pregnancy is not easy, that not everything is assisted reproduction and in vitro fertilization and that getting pregnant can take a while. Good advice is, Whether or not you have regular cycles, check your ovarian reserve periodically. and don't skip any gynecological check-ups as this will help you detect any fertility problems. For your part, you can promote a healthy life and a good diet rich in folic acid.
