Keshvi IVF & Women Care Hospital

img_keshviivf
Book An Appointment
img_keshviivf

7 Infertility Myths in India: Separating Truth from Misconceptions

Infertility is a sensitive and often misunderstood topic that affects millions of couples worldwide. In India, societal expectations and cultural beliefs often lead to misinformation, making the journey of Indian couples conceiving and having a baby even more challenging. Many myths about infertility in India create unnecessary fear and delay timely medical intervention. Understanding the truth is crucial for making informed decisions. Let’s break down some common myths and reveal the facts behind them.

Myth 1: Infertility Is Always the Woman’s Problem

Fact: Infertility can be caused by either partner. A widespread misconception, specially in rural parts of India is that if a couple struggles to conceive, the issue lies with the woman. However, studies show that male factor infertility accounts for nearly 40-50% of cases. Problems such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle factors can impact male fertility. Similarly, conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, or blocked fallopian tubes can contribute to female infertility. The best approach is for both partners to undergo fertility testing to identify the root cause and explore suitable treatment options.

Myth 2: Only Women’s Fertility Declines with Age

Fact: Men’s fertility also decreases over time It’s well known that a woman’s fertility declines after the age of 35, but many people assume that men remain fertile indefinitely. While men can father children later in life, sperm quality and motility decline with age, increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities and complications. Age-related fertility decline is a factor for both partners, making early planning and consultation with a fertility specialist important. Therefore, the best way to diagnose infertility in men and women, is to consult with your nearest infertility expert.

Myth 3: Stress Alone Causes Infertility

Fact: Stress can affect fertility, but it is rarely the sole cause. It’s common to hear that “just relaxing” will help a couple conceive, but this oversimplifies the issue. While chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, infertility is typically caused by medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, or sperm abnormalities. While reducing stress through a healthy lifestyle is beneficial, medical evaluation is necessary to determine the real cause of infertility.

Myth 4: You cannot have fertility problems if you already have a child

Fact: Not true! Fertility declines with age, this lowers the chance of conception

It’s a common misconception that fertility only declines for women after a certain age. While it’s true that women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, this doesn’t mean fertility problems only affect them. Men also experience a decline in fertility as they age. Even though men continue to produce sperm throughout their lives, sperm quality, count, and motility decrease as they get older, particularly after the age of 40. This can make it harder to conceive, and the risk of genetic issues in offspring can also rise with older age in men.

For women, fertility typically starts to decline after the age of 30, with a more significant drop around 35. As women age, their eggs become less viable, and their chances of a successful pregnancy decrease. This is why age plays such an important role in fertility for both men and women.

While it’s possible for someone to have conceived easily in the past, this does not guarantee that they won’t face challenges later on, especially as age-related factors come into play. Fertility isn’t something that remains constant throughout life, and many people are surprised to find it harder to conceive, even after having had children in the past.

Myth 5: A Couple Is Infertile If They Don’t Conceive Within a Few Months.

Fact: Infertility is diagnosed after prolonged unsuccessful attempts.

It’s common for couples to feel worried or frustrated if they don’t conceive within the first few months of trying, but it’s important to understand that conception can take time. Doctors typically define infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35). Many couples will take longer than expected to conceive, and this doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with fertility.

It’s essential to remember that a variety of factors, including timing, stress, health, and lifestyle choices, can influence conception, and many couples conceive naturally after several months of trying. For those under 35, doctors generally recommend waiting at least a year before seeking professional help. For women over 35, fertility naturally declines, and it may take longer to conceive, so seeking advice after six months of trying is often advised.

Myth 6: Lifestyle Choices Have No Impact on Fertility.

Fact: Diet, exercise, and habits significantly influence reproductive health.

Fertility isn’t solely determined by medical conditions; lifestyle choices are a major factor as well. Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, and a lack of physical activity can all have a negative effect on fertility in both men and women. By maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances, you can improve fertility and support overall reproductive health.

Myth 7: Women can conceive anytime she wants!

Fact: Women can only conceive during their fertile period, which is the time around ovulation when an egg is released from the ovaries. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period, but this can vary depending on the length of a woman’s cycle. The fertile period spans several days, including the 2-3 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself, since sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days. After ovulation, the egg only survives for about 12-24 hours, meaning conception is unlikely if intercourse happens outside of the fertile window. Therefore, for successful conception to occur, it is essential to have sexual intercourse within this narrow window of fertility.

Conclusion

Infertility in India is surrounded by myths that often lead to confusion and unnecessary stress. Understanding the facts can help couples make informed decisions and seek timely medical help. At Keshvi IVF & Women care hospital, we provide expert fertility solutions with advanced treatments tailored to each couple’s needs. Our team of specialists offers compassionate care, guiding you through your journey to parenthood with trust and confidence. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, don’t let misconceptions stand in the way. Contact Keshvi IVF today and take the first step toward making your dream of parenthood a reality!