Myths and Facts About Infertility

If you and your partner are experiencing infertility, you’re in good company. Researchers estimate about 1 in 8 couples struggle to get or stay pregnant.

Infertility is a very personal and often painful journey. While people close to you may mean well, it’s easy for casual comments about family planning to hurt. And with so much information about infertility circulating, it can be difficult to know what’s fact and what’s fiction.

The board-certified providers at Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada, understand the struggle with infertility. We specialize in helping women struggling with infertility conceive. Our practice uses different therapies, depending on your needs, including:

• Hormone therapy to balance hormones
• Fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation 
• Minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery 
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Invitro fertilization (IVF)

We’re also committed to providing our patients with accurate, reliable information. Keep reading to learn some popular infertility myths and associated facts as we set the record straight.

MYTH 1: Infertility is usually the woman’s fault

Fact: Infertility affects men and women equally. Much of the time, infertility stems from a combination of problems with both the man and woman. 

The truth is, both men and women contribute to infertility. In fact, about 35% of the time, a male factor is identified as the cause, and 35% it is a female factor.

For about one-fifth of couples struggling with infertility, problems with both genders are the root case. The remaining 10% of the time, doctors can’t determine why the couple experiences infertility.

MYTH 2: Age isn’t a factor in infertility for men

Fact: As we get older, both men and women experience changes in fertility.

There’s a lot of talk about age and infertility in women. But the truth is that age can play a role in infertility for both men and women: Male or female, as you get older your fertility decreases. 

The female reproductive peak occurs between the late teens and late 20s. Fertility begins to decline at around 30, and drops off steeply starting at 35. 

For example, a healthy 30-year-old woman has about a 20% chance of getting pregnant each menstrual cycle. By age 40, that drops to 5%. You can still get pregnant in your 30s or 40s, but if you’re having trouble conceiving, it could take longer. 

Keep in mind, however, that male fertility also declines with age. While men can technically father children at any age, the shape and movement of their sperm declines with age. In addition, men experience increasing issues related to erectile dysfunction as they get older.

MYTH 3: You just need to relax and get out of your head

Fact: Fertility is a physical issue.

It’s true that stress contributes to some cases of infertility. But infertility is a physical issue and a medical condition. Despite what well-meaning people may tell you, taking a vacation, thinking positively, or simply “changing your mindset” aren’t enough to solve infertility. Instead, you should see a fertility specialist for medical help.

MYTH 4: Adopting a baby will solve infertility 

Fact: Adoption does not cure infertility. 

There’s no doubt adoption is a fabulous way to build your family. However, adoption does not cure infertility. It’s true some couples who adopt later have a “surprise” pregnancy. But these much-welcomed additions only occur in about 5% of cases. It’s best to choose adoption to welcome a new family member into your life, not as an infertility treatment. 

MYTH 5: Overall health status doesn’t contribute to infertility

Fact: Your overall health status is one of the biggest factors in your fertility.

If you’re struggling with infertility, it’s time to take a look at your overall health and lifestyle. It’s true that not every case of infertility is linked to overall health. However, most of the time, health issues are either the main factor or a contributing factor, including:

• Being overweight or obese
• Not eating enough plants and unprocessed foods
• Not exercising regularly
• Having insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Drinking alcohol
• Using recreational drugs 
• Not managing chronic conditions (e.g., endometriosis)

If you’re struggling with infertility, get the facts from the team at Darin Swainston MD. FACOG. Our providers approach every patient’s infertility treatment on a case-by-case basis, offering personalized treatment options based on your unique needs.

Get help building your family by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Darin Swainston MD. FACOG in Las Vegas, Nevada.