5 Common Myths About Infertility

Infertility can be an upsetting and frustrating experience, especially if you’re not sure why you’re having trouble conceiving. Worse, infertility is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to questions about treatments — or if treatment can even help.

As a leading reproductive health practice in Paramus, New Jersey, Feminine Urgicare offers infertility care and support, including education, to help you make informed choices. Here, our team dispels five of the most common myths that could interfere with your fertility treatment.

1. Infertility is a woman’s problem

Perhaps because women are the ones who carry the pregnancy, many people think of infertility as a “female problem.” The fact is, the causes of infertility are equally divided among male and female factors: roughly a third of infertility issues involve female issues, about a third involve male issues, and an additional third have unknown causes.

Infertility treatment begins with an examination to determine the underlying cause of fertility issues. At our practice, our team conducts a physical exam, along with diagnostic exams like ultrasound and lab work. We also provide specialist referrals for more complex testing for you and your partner.

2. Infertility doesn’t happen to people who’ve had kids

If you’ve already had a child, it’s easy to assume you won’t have difficulty adding to your family. But the fact is, many couples experience secondary infertility or difficulty conceiving despite having already had a successful pregnancy.

Many factors can contribute to secondary fertility, including a change in health status for either partner, older age, lifestyle changes, poor sperm quality, or medications. Fortunately, fertility treatments can help couples with secondary infertility, too.

3. If you don’t conceive in your first few attempts, you’re infertile

Failing to conceive can make you feel anxious — so anxious that it’s easy to assume you’re infertile after just a couple of attempts. But infertility is more than just not being able to conceive — it’s defined as unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant for 12 months in a row. 

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, don’t panic — give it some time. 

One note: Because a woman’s fertility declines dramatically with age, if you’re 35 or older, you might want to make an appointment after six months of trying to conceive.

4. Infertility has nothing to do with lifestyle

Infertility is more than a sperm meeting an egg. Conception involves multiple factors, and some include your lifestyle habits. Knowing those negative habits — and taking steps to quit them — could improve your chances of getting pregnant.

Smoking can definitely make it more challenging to conceive, taking a toll on both male and female fertility. Stress and weight challenges can also make it more difficult to conceive by interfering with hormones that control ovulation. 

Having a pre-pregnancy consultation with our team can help you make important lifestyle changes that may help you conceive while also supporting a healthy pregnancy.

5. Infertility isn’t common

If you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s easy to feel all alone. But infertility is actually quite common, affecting about 20% of couples with no prior birth history, according to the CDC. 

The good news is, for many couples, fertility treatments help. The key is to make an appointment with our team as soon as possible so we can develop a plan to help you grow your family.

If you’re struggling with infertility, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare today.