Mythbusters: Fertility Edition

There is a lot of misinformation about fertility out there. Whether it’s on Reddit, whispered about in high school hallways, or handed down through generations, it’s hard to know how we came to believe some of the things we do.

This week, we go head-to-head with some of the most prevalent myths about fertility.

Myth #1 Prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives or IUDs causes infertility.

Fact check: Extended use of hormonal contraceptives or IUDs have no impact on fertility in the long-run. It may take a few months for the body to regulate after going off hormonal birth control, but women typically return to normal fertility levels 1-3 months after stopping hormonal contraception. So go ahead and “pull the goalie” knowing your body will regulate in a short time. To read more about contraception and fertility, reference our past newsletter.

Myth #2 Having sex multiple times a day increases fertility.

Fact check: Some couples believe that having sex frequently, even multiple times a day, will increase their chances of conception. However, there hasn’t been great research on this topic. A few studies may suggest that with daily ejaculation there may actually be a decline in sperm count, but it likely won’t impact your fertility or odds of getting pregnant. Don’t worry - you won’t run out of sperm! Timing intercourse around ovulation is more important than frequency. Try to reduce your stress and not make having sex or getting pregnant feel like a chore, as this might be doing more harm than good.

Myth #3 Abortions can cause infertility.

Fact check: Abortions that are performed safely, in the care of a licensed medical provider, are not thought to contribute to infertility. Though abortions are highly restricted in some states, and can be an emotional subject, don’t let fears of infertility be part of your decision-making process. Thanks to medical innovation, most abortions performed before 12 weeks are now medication abortions (aka involve taking some pills) and don’t impact future pregnancies. Surgical abortions, those usually occurring after 12 weeks, do not cause infertility and should not impact future pregnancies, absent any surgical complications. In some rare cases, such as ectopic pregnancies, an abortion may be the recommended course of action to protect the health, including future fertility, of the mother. 

Myth #4 Fertility declines only in women.

Fact check: Ah, as we like to say, the perceived Leonardo DiCaprio effect. While women's fertility declines with age, men also experience a decrease in fertility as they get older. Advanced paternal age can affect sperm quality and increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in children. Read more about men’s part in the fertility equation here.

Myth #5 Fit people are more fertile.

Fact check: There's a misconception that all thin women are fertile while overweight or obese women are not. While weight can impact fertility and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, fertility is not solely determined by body size or body fat composition. This rhetoric just spreads fatphobia and misinformation. Factors such as overall health, hormonal balance, and underlying medical conditions play significant roles in fertility.

So there you have it - 5 myths that you can knock off your anxiety list and share with your fertility-curious friends! There are about another 20 more we didn’t cover, so subscribe to keep the clinician-vetted information coming. 

Upcoming Newsletter Editions:

• “How to pick a fertility clinic”

• “Our favorite prenatal vitamins”

• “The latest legal challenges to IVF”

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*The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or any other qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.