Infertility can be a challenging and emotional experience for couples trying to conceive. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding infertility that can make the process even more difficult. In this article, we will debunk some common infertility misconceptions.
Misconception #1: Infertility is always caused by the female partner.
Many people assume that if a couple is struggling to conceive, it must be because the female partner has a fertility issue. However, this is not always the case. In fact, male infertility is just as common as female infertility. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, male factor infertility contributes to about 30% of infertility cases.
Misconception #2: Infertility is always caused by a medical issue.
While medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can cause infertility, there are many other factors that can contribute to difficulty conceiving. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and being overweight or underweight can also impact fertility. In addition, stress and certain medications can also affect fertility.
Misconception #3: Age doesn’t matter when it comes to fertility.
Many people believe that age doesn’t matter when it comes to fertility, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. As women age, their fertility naturally declines. This is because the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries decrease over time. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s. After age 35, fertility begins to decline more rapidly, and by age 40, a woman’s chance of getting pregnant in any given month is less than 5%.
Misconception #4: Infertility treatments always work.
While infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be highly effective, they don’t always result in a successful pregnancy. Success rates vary depending on a number of factors, including age, the reason for infertility, and the type of treatment being used. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the live birth rate for women under 35 undergoing IVF using their own eggs is around 40%. This means that even with the most advanced infertility treatments, there is still no guarantee of success.
Misconception #5: Infertility Struggles are Rare
One of the most significant misconceptions about infertility is that it is a rare issue that only affects a small percentage of the population. However, the reality is that infertility struggles are more common than people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of women in the United States ages 15-44 struggle with infertility.
This means that millions of couples in the US alone are dealing with infertility issues. While infertility can be a sensitive and private topic, it’s important to recognize that many people are facing this challenge and may benefit from more awareness and support.
Misconception #6: Older Women become naturally pregnant all the time
Another misconception about infertility is that older women can easily become pregnant naturally. While it is true that some women may be able to conceive in their late 30s or early 40s, it’s important to recognize that fertility naturally declines as women age. In fact, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, women over the age of 35 are considered to have advanced maternal age and may have a harder time conceiving.
While there are certainly cases of older women naturally conceiving, it’s important to recognize that many women in the public eye who have had children later in life may have used fertility treatments. For example, celebrities such as Janet Jackson and Halle Berry had children in their 40s, but it’s not publicly known whether they used their own cryopreserved eggs or donor eggs.
It’s important to remember that every person’s fertility journey is unique and that there is no “right” way to build a family. By recognizing and dispelling these common misconceptions about infertility, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals and couples facing this challenge. It’s essential to have open and honest conversations about fertility and to provide support and resources for those who may be struggling to conceive. To learn more about how Elevate can help you on your family building journey, please email us at info@elevatebaby.com.
