Myths Related to Infertility

Taboos and myths surround what is not completely understood, and infertility is no different. To better understand infertility, it is important to differentiate between myth and fact since infertility myths can cause emotional and mental stress to infertile couples and their loved ones.

Infertility by itself is a sensitive issue and when confronting with false information the situation becomes even more difficult to handle. Myths can be resolved with appropriate understanding and educating ourselves with correct information about infertility. Here are some of the common myths and
misconceptions related to infertility:

Myth: Infertility is a woman's problem
Fact: It is important for couples to realize that the causes of infertility are almost equally shared by female and male partners. The surprising factor concerning this myth is that infertility is a female problem in 35 percent of the cases, a male problem in 35 percent of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20 percent of cases, and unexplained in 10 percent of cases, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Thus it is critical that an infertility evaluation should involve both the man and the woman.

Myth: It is a personal failing
Fact: Infertility makes the affected person experience a sense of inadequacy that affects his or her self-esteem. Those that perceive the condition as a personal failing are advised to connect with others facing similar challenges, as well as consider professional infertility counseling.

Myth: Infertility is caused by stress
Fact: Being stressed is one of the reasons that most people believe that is causing infertility. In fact infertility is a medical problem, a condition of the reproductive system which by itself causes tremendous stress to the couple. Stress is a result and not a cause of infertility. So while yoga, going on vacation, and other de-stress options can improve overall well-being, these changes in lifestyle will not solve an infertility condition which requires medical intervention.

Myth: Infertility is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle
Fact: While a healthy lifestyle certainly helps at the time when you are trying to become pregnant, it does not cure infertility. Unhealthy lifestyles that include bad eating habits, smoking, drinking, and STD can affect fertility, but infertility is not the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Myth: Only older couples face infertility
Fact: With growing age, the ability to become pregnant decreases. The late teens and 20s are considered to be the peak fertile period for women. This starts dropping by the mid 30’s. But infertility does affect men and women of all ages. The good news is that majority of infertile patients do conceive with the appropriate treatment.

Myth: Infertility treatments end up resulting in twins or triplets
Fact: It is a fact that fertility treatment very often leads to multiple pregnancies. This is because fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg at the same time, increasing the chance of multiple pregnancies. However, the majority of women taking fertility drugs still have single pregnancy. With advanced treatment options, the risk of conceiving multiples is minimized.

East Bay Fertility Center Offers a Complete Mind-Body Experience for Fertility Couples

Dealing with infertility is in itself challenging and exhausting without having to deal with myths and falsehood surrounding the condition which would only aggravate anxiety. Finding the right physicians and counselors to guide you through this unfamiliar territory is very important.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California helps you break the “infertility walls” by providing personalized medical counseling and treatment for infertile couples. We provide comprehensive services for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. Our experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician who is Board Certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology. She brings to her patients a rare and valuable firsthand empathy for the personal pain and emotional stress of dealing with infertility.

To know more about our treatment options and counseling sessions, please log on to our website www.ebfertility.com .