Misconception about Fertility
#1 It’s easy to get pregnant as long as you take care of yourself, even if you’re in your 40s
While starting a family later in life is increasingly common, it’s important to have realistic expectations about fertility as age catches up. The average woman releases about 400 eggs throughout her life. Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35, so there are fewer eggs. Therefore, there are fewer chances to get pregnant. Plus, pregnancies after 40 carry higher risks of complications for both mother and baby, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and chromosomal abnormalities.
Even the healthiest individuals who exercise regularly and eat well will still find that their egg count and quality decline as they age. Lifestyle factors can help boost fertility; however, age is the number one factor determining egg count and quality.
#2 My fertility will have declined after being on the contraceptive pill for more than ten years.
It may take some time for your body to revert to its natural cycle if you have been using the oral contraceptive pill, IUDs or implants, but using contraception over any period of time does not cause infertility. Doctors recommend waiting for one cycle after you come off contraception, but it’s entirely possible to fall pregnant on your first cycle.
#3 The more testosterone you have, the less likely you’ll be infertile
Taking testosterone supplements to increase the sperm count does not necessarily mean better fertility. Consuming testosterone signals to the pituitary glands in the brand that there is enough testosterone in the body. This, in turn, results in your body automatically decreasing its hormone production.
#4 Men remain fertile into old age
There’s a common misconception that men can continue fathering children well into their 60s, 70s and even 80s, but the reality is that a man’s age does contribute to infertility. Sperm quality declines with age, and the chance of ‘sperm DNA damage’ increases – which can cause complications in both pregnancy and after birth. That means it’s important to start thinking about fertility early rather than assuming age won’t be a factor in your family plans.
#5 Certain foods can cure infertility
While a healthy diet is undoubtedly essential for overall well-being, the idea that specific foods can directly “cure” infertility is a misconception. While certain nutrients and lifestyle factors can support fertility, there’s no one-size-fits-all “fertility diet” that guarantees conception. There’s limited scientific evidence to support the claim that specific foods can directly cure infertility. While some studies have suggested the potential benefits of certain nutrients, more research is needed to establish a definitive link.
#6 Infertility runs in families
While genetics can play a role in some cases of infertility, it’s important to understand that it’s not always hereditary. Being part of an ‘infertile family’ doesn’t necessarily mean you will be infertile as well. Age and medical conditions are some of the most relevant predictors of fertility.
