Written by Alex Thompson. Reviewed by Jamie Carter
I wasn’t the most attentive student in biology (despite what my excellent GCSE score might suggest), but how did we transition from “you can get pregnant just by touching a penis” to “only 25% of individuals under 30 will conceive naturally each cycle without birth control”? It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. During my first year navigating the fertility landscape, I found myself desperately searching for answers online about everything from the common questions to the downright bizarre. My search history looked something like this:
- “Do eating pineapple cores really boost fertility, or am I just torturing my taste buds?”
- “Can I actually improve my chances by standing on my head after sex? Asking for a friend.”
- “How long can I stare at a pregnancy test before it changes its mind?”
While I share these as lighthearted anecdotes, the reality was a confusing, anxious, and isolating experience where I wasn’t sure who to confide in or where to find reliable information. My doctor advised me to try for at least 12 months, my well-meaning friends suggested I “just relax”, and my body craved a glass of red wine, even though conventional wisdom when trying to conceive (TTC) says to avoid alcohol.
This World Fertility Day, I want to address some of the most pervasive myths I encountered as I embarked on my fertility journey, aiming to make the path a bit smoother for others starting out and to cut through the misinformation that often surrounds this topic.
❌ Myth 1: Is caffeine secretly sabotaging my eggs?
In my household, it’s common knowledge that I can’t kick off my day without a cup of coffee (some might say I shouldn’t be approached until I’ve had my first cup). However, caffeine’s role in fertility is hotly debated. Some studies indicate that high caffeine intake (exceeding 300 mg daily, roughly three cups of coffee) might negatively impact fertility by disrupting ovulation and possibly diminishing egg quality. In contrast, moderate consumption—typically under 200 mg a day—doesn’t appear to significantly hinder fertility outcomes for most people. So, while your morning coffee probably isn’t conspiring against your eggs, moderation is essential!
❌ Myth 2: Infertility is solely a woman’s issue.
Discussions about infertility often center around women, and most of my online searches yielded results focused on “female fertility.” However, research indicates that 30% of infertility issues are linked to those assigned female at birth, 30% to those assigned male at birth, and the remainder are unexplained. Yet, 18% of men surveyed believe that women are more likely to face fertility challenges. That’s nearly one-fifth of men! Interviews reveal that when men do experience fertility issues, they are less likely to seek professional help or confide in friends and family. It’s evident that infertility is often viewed as a “female problem” in heterosexual relationships. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial, and society must work towards making fertility support and treatments—including at-home testing—more accessible for all genders. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges this critical need, particularly for marginalized populations.
While we’ve made strides, there’s still much to be done regarding infertility and gender equality. By opening up these conversations, we can tackle these issues head-on and reduce the stigma surrounding fertility. It’s time to recognize that fertility is a global concern that affects everyone, regardless of gender.
❌ Myth 3: Having sex every day is the best way to conceive.
Contrary to popular belief, having sex every day isn’t the most effective strategy for conception (or for your sanity!). Frequent ejaculation can lower sperm concentration. Ideally, couples should aim for intercourse every 48 to 72 hours, as this increases the quality of sperm per ejaculation, thereby boosting the chances of a successful pregnancy. A useful tip is to abstain from sex for 2 to 3 days leading up to ovulation and then engage in intercourse the day before—this increases the likelihood of fertilization.
For more insights into the joys of parenting, check out this post. Additionally, if you’re looking for reliable resources, this article is an excellent guide on pregnancy and home insemination. And don’t forget to explore the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit for a comprehensive solution.
In summary, navigating the world of fertility can be tricky with so many myths and misunderstandings. By shedding light on these common misconceptions, we can foster a better understanding of fertility issues that affect everyone. Remember, it’s important to seek out reliable information and support along your journey.