Fertility Fact or Fiction
As a board-certified OB/GYN and fertility specialist, I've heard it all when it comes to the myths and misconceptions surrounding women's reproductive health. From old wives' tales about birth control to unfounded claims about the efficacy of IVF, there is no shortage of fertility fiction circulating in our society.
Birth Control and Fertility
Let's start with one of the most common myths: that birth control use can permanently damage a woman's fertility. The reality is that the birth control pill itself does not cause infertility. Once a woman stops taking the pill, her fertility should return to its normal baseline. However, it's important to note that the longer a woman has been on the birth control pill, the more time it may take for her body to resume regular ovulation. This is because the pill essentially puts the ovaries into a quiescent state for an extended period. So while the pill does not irreparably harm fertility, it can take several months for the ovaries to "wake up" and begin functioning normally again. A similar principle applies to other forms of hormonal contraception, such as the Depo-Provera injection. The effects of Depo-Provera can linger for up to 18 months after discontinuation, meaning a woman may experience a delay in her return to fertility. This is an important consideration for those who are planning a pregnancy in the near future.
Can you get pregnant during your menstrual cycle?
Another common fertility myth is that a woman cannot get pregnant during her menstrual period. In reality, while the chances of conception are lower during menstruation, it is absolutely possible to become pregnant at this time. Sperm can survive within the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, so if intercourse occurs towards the end of a woman's period and she ovulates shortly thereafter, pregnancy can occur. The idea that a woman must achieve orgasm in order to conceive is also unfounded. While female orgasm can assist in the transport of sperm, it is not a prerequisite for successful fertilization. In fact, studies show that the majority of women - approximately 75% - do not reach orgasm from intercourse alone.
Fertility Testing
One particularly frustrating myth is the belief that there exists some kind of definitive "fertility test" that can prove a woman's reproductive capacity. No such test exists. As a fertility specialist, the best I can do is evaluate various factors that contribute to fertility, such as ovulation, egg reserve, tubal patency, and sperm quality. However, there is no way to guarantee that a woman's eggs and her partner's sperm will successfully meet and result in a healthy pregnancy.
Is IVF a guarantee?
Perhaps one of the most harmful fertility myths is the that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a silver bullet that can overcome age-related fertility decline. This is simply not the case. Age remains the single most important predictor of IVF success, and the odds of a live birth from a single untested embryo transfer drop dramatically as a woman gets older. For example, if a woman is under the age of 35, her chance of a live birth from a single untested embryo transfer is approximately 37.5%. However, if she is between the ages of 41-42, that number plummets to just 10%. And for women over the age of 42, the live birth rate is a mere 3%. These statistics underscore the harsh reality that time is not on the side of those seeking to build their families later in life.
Prioritize Your Reproductive Wellness
I share these facts not to discourage, but to empower. My goal is to give women with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to seek appropriate medical guidance when necessary. Fertility is a complex and nuanced topic, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That's why I encourage all women, regardless of their age or family planning status, to prioritize their reproductive wellness. Through open, honest dialogue and evidence-based care we can overcome these myths and misconceptions that have long shrouded women's fertility.
