Infertility is a grave issue that impacts thousands of couples across the globe. There are people who spend their entire lives trying and trying but still fail to start a family. And there are some fortunate ones whose struggles come to an end sooner than later. Finding the right clinic for infertility treatment is something that can be fate-changing. A seasoned infertility specialist will not only make sure that the patient gets the right treatment but the right guidance too.
Like any other health condition, there are several myths and misconceptions associated with infertility too. People blindly believe these misconceptions and reduce the chances of having their problem resolved. Knowing the truth about infertility can actually make all the difference and this is where an expert infertility specialist can help. Here are some common infertility myths that need to be dispelled:
Myth #1: Usually, the woman is responsible for infertility.
Most people tend to believe that it is the woman who is responsible for infertility. Surprisingly, the cases of male factor infertility are as many as those of female infertility. Research shows that 30% of infertility cases are attributes to female problems and the same proportion goes for male issues. The remaining 40% of infertility cases happen due to combined infertility, where there are reproductive issues with both the partners. Therefore, both the partners need to seek medical advice if the couple is facing problems getting pregnant.
Myth #2: Have sex everyday if you want to get pregnant.
Another common misconception is that a couple should practice daily sex to get pregnant. However, having sex even once but at the right time can do the trick. Every woman has a fertility window, the time when the egg’s receptivity is the best. This window starts five days prior to ovulation and extends through the ovulation day (14th day of the menstrual cycle). This is the time when the egg is most likely to be fertilized by the sperm. On the other hand, having sex everyday can actually reduce the chances of conception as it depletes the sperm count.
Myth #3: It can’t happen to me!
A large number of couples believe that infertility is something that they cannot suffer from. This is the reason why many of them fail to get timely help and end up aggravating their problems. Infertility is far more common that anyone can think. As many as one in six couples come across infertility related challenges during their reproductive lifespan. Lifestyle issues like obesity, postponed parenthood, smoking, alcohol, and sexually transmitted diseases are making these problems rampant. A couple should, therefore, consult a doctor if they plan but fail to conceive after one year of trying (when the woman is below 35 years of age). For older women, medical help should be sought six months after trying and not succeeding.
Myth #4: Stress has no influence over fertility.
A very common fertility related myth that needs to be busted is that stress has no influence over fertility. Though it may not be directly seen as an infertility complication, stress can actually hamper fertility in many ways. It affects relationships and sex drive as well as causes hormonal imbalances. The best way out is to take it easy, seek counseling and indulge in stress relieving activities such as yoga, meditation and exercise.
Myth #5: Infertility can be handled with positive lifestyle changes.
Yes, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle does give you better chances of conception but these will not resolve your infertility problems. There are some cases where lifestyle issues like being overweight or heavy smoking causes male or female infertility. Positive lifestyle changes can improve the chances of conception for such couples. On the other hand, couples with structural problems, hereditary conditions or medical complications must get medical help. The common issues here are improper ovulation, tubal blockage, uterine fibroids, and sperm issues.
Myth #6: Infertility means that getting pregnant is practically impossible.
Another common belief is that a couple who is infertile cannot have children at all. Advancement in medical technology has changed it all. Assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and egg donation have come as solutions for even the most complex cases. Most people believe that infertility treatment is too expensive for them. This is another myth that needs to be dispelled. There are clinics that provide quality treatment at affordable costs. They also offer deferred payment plans so that patients can get the best right within their budget.
Myth # 7: With advanced reproductive techniques, it is easy to have babies even during 40s.
Ground-breaking reproductive techniques such as IVF and ICSI have created miracles for women of advanced maternal age. Yet the biological clock works the same old-fashioned way. Though women in their 40s are now able to bear children, conception never comes easily for them. The number and quality of eggs deteriorate naturally with age. Similarly, sperms of older men are likely to be genetically weaker. Donor eggs and donor sperms are recommended for such couples to improve their chances for bearing healthy offspring. Therefore, it is better for couples to plan parenthood sooner than later.
Gaudium IVF is a renowned ivf centre in Delhi where patients are given quality care at affordable cost. The clinic brings advanced assisted reproductive techniques along with excellent gynecological care and counseling support.
Visit here to get a free second opinion from Dr. Manika Khanna, the leading ivf specialist in Delhi.