Fertility is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions, making it challenging for women to understand what really impacts their ability to conceive. Misguided beliefs and misconceptions can cause unnecessary stress and confusion, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction. To get clarity, we contacted Dr. Garima Sahni, senior gynecologist and co-founder of Pristine Care, who sheds light on common fertility myths and shares important facts every woman needs to know to make an informed decision. Needed

Myth 1: Fertility is only a concern after 35

Most people believe that fertility becomes a problem when a woman reaches her mid-30s. Although it is actually more evident after this age, fertility at any time can be affected in a number of ways, including lifestyle, genetics, and even diseases. Many women suffer from fertility problems in their 20s to 30s.

fact: It is a factor, but not the only one. Women are born with a limited number of eggs and as they age, the quality and quantity of these eggs decline. However, PCOS, endometriosis, smoking, excessive drinking and chronic stress at any age can affect women’s fertility.

Myth 2: Only stress can cause infertility

Stress affects various characteristics of health; However, saying that stress can cause infertility is not true. Even if there is an extreme state of stress that is associated with changes in hormone levels or menstrual cycle, infertility may be less likely to be the individual cause.

fact: Severe stress can affect menstruation or sex drive and, as a result, fertility. However, most cases of infertility are caused by other medical conditions, such as ovulatory disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, or deterioration of eggs with age. Reduction of stress can have a positive effect on overall health but does not guarantee improved fertility.

Myth 3: Women don’t need to worry about fertility until they decide to have children

Some people believe that the issue of fertility matters only when they are ready to have children. The reality is that some conditions that affect fertility may develop with minimal symptoms and may take years to become fully expressed.

fact: If you learn about your fertility earlier in life, you’ll be better prepared to plan your family. People who aren’t ready to have kids but want to keep the door open can get regular checkups, monitor their cycles, and freeze their eggs if they want.

Myth 4: The Pill causes permanent infertility

A long-standing myth is that long-term use of birth control can cause permanent damage to a woman’s fertility. Fortunately, this is not true, although it may take some time for the menstrual cycle to return to normal after stopping.

fact: The pill temporarily delays ovulation. After a few months of stopping them, fertility returns to its pre-pill state. In most people, normal ovulation is restored within a few months; However, this may vary with an individual and their general health.

Myth 5: Healthy lifestyle choices ensure fertility

While a healthy diet, adequate exercise, and removal of harmful substances are recommended to maintain reproductive health, none of these guarantee the ability to conceive. Many factors beyond lifestyle determine fertility, including some genetic, physiological, and environmental factors.

fact: Lifestyle practices promote healthy habits; However, other reproductive conditions, such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or genetic disorders may require medical intervention. Although lifestyle can prepare the body to work towards improving fertility, it may not cause infertility for everyone. Only a medical person can diagnose someone’s actual fertility status.

Myth 6: If you’ve tried to get pregnant for a year and can’t conceive, you’re infertile

Couples whose relationship lasts a year without conceiving easily lose hope, thinking that it is due to infertility. But there are a lot of different factors involved in conceiving; Sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight.

fact: Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse or within six months if the woman’s age is more than 35 years. If this is not the case, after this period, it would be best to visit a fertility specialist as many factors can be treated.

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