Infertility takes an enormous toll on the affected individuals. It is an emotional devastating life crisis for the couple, which can impact their general health, the marriage itself, family relationships, job performance and even social interactions. The myths that surround the problem only compound the issues associated with it.
1. Only women can be infertile
Fact: Over the ages women have been blamed for
infertility. Women always come under scrutiny when they fail to get pregnant. While women are the main
cause of infertility, in as many as 30% of the cases there are
male infertility issues. In most cases the
causes of infertility is a combination of many factors in both male and female.
2. Most women get pregnant easily.
Fact: While some women get pregnant with no effort, there are many couples that struggle. In today’s modern age is a big factor; many other issues that can also hinder a pregnancy.
3. If young and healthy,
infertility will not be a problem
Fact: As women age, fertility also declines, but diseases like low sperm count and quality,
endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome can also inhibit fertility.
4. Starting and stopping birth control can affect fertility.
Fact: Stopping and starting birth control (pills, patch, etc.) has not been shown to have any long term effects on fertility. Birth control medications contain level of hormone, which are just high enough to prevent pregnancy, yet are low enough that for most women who take them they rarely cause any significant problems. Once stopped the hormones leave the system and return it back to their normal state.
5. If infertile, trying long enough will result in pregnancy.
Fact:
Infertility is a medical problem that cannot be treated at times. In case of a problem it needs to be addressed. Positive thinking will not solve the problem.
6. A regular period means that there will be no problem getting pregnant.
Fact: A regular period does not guarantee fertility. Number of underlying causes like blocked fallopian tubes,
endometriosis, structural problems, and even STDs can cause infertility.
7. If infertile in vitro fertilisation is the only way to have a baby.
Fact: Depending on the cause there are different treatments. The treatment maybe as simple as medication.
8. Infertility is not a physical problem, it is psychological.
Fact: The advice often forthcoming is that it’s all in the mind. Stopping the worrying or stressing about it, will allow it to happen. Stress and worry contribute. However, infertility is caused by physical issues.
9. If you were a better person, you wouldn't be infertile.
Fact: This is an offensive and extremely judgmental myth. Moral character does not have anything to do with fertility. Infertility is the result of physical issues.
10. By adopting a baby infertility gets fixed.
Fact: By adopting a child the state of ‘childlessness’ is fixed, not the state of infertility. The disease and all the symptoms persist.
keywords: Infertility ; male factors infertility
