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Infertility can be a challenging journey, filled with emotional ups and downs. The difficulties of infertility are enough to handle on their own, but factor in the surrounding misinformation, and things can get seriously confusing.
Imagine being able to silence that nagging voice of uncertainty. At Effortless IVF™ in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas, Dr. Kevin Doody and Dr. Kathleen Doody are helping you do just that by debunking five infertility myths that can hold you back.
Myth 1: Infertility is always a woman’s problem
It’s a widespread belief that infertility is solely a woman’s issue. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Infertility affects both men and women almost equally. According to the National Institutes of Health, about one-third of infertility cases are attributed to female factors, one-third to male factors, and the remaining third to a combination of both or unexplained reasons.
Male infertility can be traced back to a range of issues. Sometimes it’s a low sperm count that’s the problem. Other times, the sperm itself is the issue — it might not be moving properly, or it may have structural defects.
Similarly, female infertility can stem from ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, or endometriosis. The fertility journey can be smoother when partners walk hand-in-hand, working together to find a solution that works for both of them.
Myth 2: Age doesn’t affect male fertility
While it is true that men can father children later in life, male fertility is not immune to the effects of aging. Fatherhood gets further away with each passing year, as the aging process slowly diminishes sperm count and quality.
After 40, men’s reproductive system starts to change. Sperm becomes less agile, and its DNA is more prone to fragmentation, which can affect fertility and pregnancy health.
Let’s face it: men’s fertility isn’t immune to the effects of time. If you’re struggling to conceive, swallow your pride and schedule a doctor appointment to uncover what’s behind the delay.
Myth 3: Infertility means you will never have a child
Being diagnosed with infertility does not mean that you will never be able to have a child. Infertility simply means that a couple has been unsuccessful in conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months for a female partner aged 35 or older).
Dealing with infertility can be overwhelming, but the good news is that you’ve got choices. Medication, surgery, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are all on the table — and each has its own unique set of advantages and potential drawbacks.
Myth 4: Lifestyle choices don’t impact fertility
Lifestyle factors can significantly influence fertility in both men and women. Adopting unhealthy vices — think smoking, heavy drinking, and a nutrient-deficient diet — can subtly erode your reproductive well-being. Compounding the issue, a sedentary lifestyle rarely helps.
Smoking is a fertility foe. For men, it means subpar sperm, while for women, it means ovaries that don’t function as they should. The hazards of smoking aren't just respiratory – they’re reproductive, too.
Fuel your body with a mix of wholesome foods, move your muscles regularly, learn to tame stress, and steer clear of harmful habits. Improve your overall quality of life and you might just find that your fertility gets a welcome boost as well. It’s a correlation that’s definitely worth exploring.
Myth 5: Infertility is rare
Infertility is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 19% of women aged 15-44 in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.
It’s essential to acknowledge that countless others are on the same emotional rollercoaster. This simple acknowledgment can work wonders in combating the feelings of isolation. Let’s be real — infertility is hard.
Schedule a consultation to overcome infertility
Fertility issues are often shrouded in misconception, making an already emotional experience feel even more overwhelming. Couples who take the time to separate fact from fiction can diffuse some of the emotional tension and pin down solutions that really work for them.
Dealing with infertility can make you feel lost and alone. But the truth is, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to face it alone either. Call our compassionate team at Effortless IVF™ today, or use our easy online booking feature to schedule a consultation at your nearest office in Fort Worth or Bedford, Texas, anytime.