Facts and Myths about Infertility

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If you are trying to conceive, and especially if you are struggling to conceive, then you may have begun to look into your concerns about infertility. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding infertility, and if you’re trying to make informed decisions with your partner, all that false information can cloud your judgement and make it difficult to know when to seek treatment. In honor of Infertility Awareness Week ( approx. the end of April each year ), we are breaking down some of the myths surrounding infertility and providing accurate information so you can be as informed as possible.

Here are some common myths about infertility

Myth: Infertility is usually a problem with the woman in the couple.

Truth: Infertility can be a problem for both men and women, and the amount of cases for men and women are almost equal (slightly more women than men struggle with infertility). In about 20% of infertile couples, low sperm count or motility is to blame. In another 30-40% of infertile couples, both the man and the woman face infertility issues. 

Myth: Age is only a factor of infertility if you aren’t healthy.

Truth: Age is always a factor of infertility. It’s true that a very healthy woman may have less complications in childbirth if she is able to carry a baby to term past the age of 35, but everyone’s eggs age the same regardless of the woman’s health or vitality. When we are born, our eggs begin to age. If you are above the age of 35, your eggs are mature and less likely to be fertile. This is why, if you decide to freeze your eggs, it’s important to do it as early as possible so your eggs are as viable as possible.

Myth: Infertility is always caused by a medical anomaly.

Truth: There are a lot of things that can cause infertility. Certainly, some of them have to do with medical conditions or problems with your reproductive organs and systems. However, factors like diet, lifestyle, and even your environment can also contribute to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. For example, in a study at Harvard University, it was discovered that women who eat large amounts of animal proteins are more likely to struggle with infertility than those who eat less animal proteins and more plant-based proteins. If you are struggling with infertility, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to analyze various components of your life to see if lifestyle factors are contributing to your inability to get pregnant. 

Myth: Infertility is always curable.

Truth: While there are a lot of wonderful ways to cure infertility, not every kind of infertility is curable. Some women and men will go through several rounds of IVF, surgeries, or other treatments only to learn that there is no way to conceive a biological child. However, this doesn’t mean that they cannot have a child. Depending on the kind of infertility that a couple faces, they may be able to take advantage of options like egg and sperm donors, surrogates, or adoption. 

Myth: People who use IVF will always have multiple births (twins or triplets).

Truth: It is true that people who use IVF are more likely than those who do not to have multiple births. The reason for this is that a woman usually have multiple embryos in the event that one or more are not successfully implanted. This increases the chances of having multiple births. But most of the time, only one embryo takes. On average, about 1% of couples who undergo IVF end up with triplets and 20% with twins. 

If you are trying to get pregnant, it’s important that you have as much accurate information as possible. Lisanne Wellness Center offers the best support and guidance for couples trying to conceive. You can get help from us by:

• Signing up for free informational events and webinar such as Nutrition Key to Fertility
• One on one private fertility coaching
• Fertility cleanses and detoxification
• Fertile Mind Body Experience™  – A six week course to improve mental and emotional well-being for couples struggling with fertility or going through fertility treatments. 
• Infertility Acupuncture 

If you think you may be struggling with infertility or you have questions about your ability to get pregnant, call us at 713-461-9355 or contact Lisanne Wellness Center.