When it comes to fertility and conception, there are numerous rumours that people believe in which have been doing the rounds for decades. It is these rumours that make couples refuse to seek help even after they have been trying to have a baby for years. Here, Dr Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Specialist from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, Delhi, debunks some of the common myths related to fertility and conception.
Myth 1: Male fertility, unlike female fertility, is not finite. Men can produce sperms till 80 years or beyond, so it’s the women who need fertility treatment, not men. While it is true that men produce sperms till 80 years of age or beyond, but remember all men might not have healthy sperm fit for conception. Age, lifestyle and other vices like smoking and drinking can affect a man’s fertility. In fact, it is seen that men trying for a second or third child face fertility issues like oligospermia (deficiency of sperms in semen) or azoospermia (absence of mobile or viable sperms in the semen). Heavy usage of Wi-Fi, electronic gadgets and dependency on junk food and alcohol can lead to a decline in sperm quality. So even with long time supply of sperms, there are chances that men too can suffer from infertility.
Myth 2: A late pregnancy is easier if your menstruation cycle has been regular.
It is true that you are in your fertile period till you menstruate, but remember that the health and quality of your egg has no relation with your periods. The quality of the eggs start to decline post 25 years of age, and when you conceive after 30 years of age, you run a slightly greater risk of passing chromosomal abnormalities to the foetus. So the early you plan your pregnancy the better. While you can menstruate till 40, it doesn’t always imply that you will have healthy eggs that can make conception easier for you.
Myth 3: Smoking, while trying to conceive has no ill-effects, you should stop once you get pregnant.
Well, you need to create a safe haven for your child to grow and develop in your womb. Stop smoking once you plan to have a baby, it is advisable to stop smoking at least six months before conception. This is not only crucial for women, but men too should give the butt a miss. This is because smoking declines the sperm count and deteriorates sperm health.
Myth 4: Having sex within 24 hours of ovulation can increase chances of pregnancy.
First, tracking your ovulation period in itself is tedious, which happens roughly seven to 10 days prior to your periods. But if you are successful in doing so, don’t wait for 24 hours to pass before having sex. Remember the lifespan of the egg is just 24 hours and that of the sperm is 72 hours, so the sooner you have sex after ovulation, the better. In fact, it is advisable to have sex a day beforeovulation and during the day of ovulation to improve your chances of conception. The sperm needs to meet the egg once it is released from the ovary and before it enters the fallopian tube.
Myth 5: Having sex every night can help you make a baby without going through IVF treatments.
Going by this myth, childless couples trying for kids could birth babies by the dozen. There could be numerous problems in both the man and the woman that could come in the way of conception. A woman might suffer from conditions like PCOS,obesity or have blocked fallopian tube that can make it difficult for her to conceive. On the other hand, the man might suffer from conditions like oligospermia or azoospermia that can reduce the couple’s chance of conception. The thumb rule is if a couple has been trying for a baby more than a year without any result, it is better for both the partners to get checked by a fertility expert.
Myth 6: Being overweight doesn’t affect your chances of conception! Fat women have babies all the time.
Obesity alone isn’t the only factor that affects one’s fertility. The partner’s fertility, ovulation, health of the eggs — all account for a woman’s fertility. However, obesity can lead to fertility issues too like PCOS, lead to anovulation, hormonal imbalances, that can make conception difficult.
Myth 7: Suffering from STDs doesn’t interfere with your ability to conceive.
Beware, if you are suffering from any kind of STD and are aware of that, it is better you postpone your idea of pregnancy for a while. Once your treatment is over, talk to your doctor to know whether you are ready to conceive or have intercourse. STDs in both men and women can cause scarring and blockage of the reproductive organs, leading to infertility. So practise safe sex always.
Myth 8: Foods you eat have no relation with your ability to conceive.
While there are certain herbs and foods that help in boosting fertility and egg health, there are others which can hamper the process, like the caffeine in your colas and coffee. So be very careful of what you eat and how much while planning a baby.
Myth 9: If stress is what is affecting your ability to conceive, then yoga and exercise can help; fertility treatments are not needed.
True, that a healthy mind and body can help increase your chances of conception. But if stress has been a constant companion for the most part of your life and age isn’t in your favour anymore, it is better to get started with consultations with a doctor and check on your fertility status than just incorporating lifestyle changes.
Image source: Shutterstock
Post a Comment
Post a Comment