9 common myths about infertility and the facts behind them

Confused about the process of IVF? Don’t be, we’ve asked the experts at The IVF Network to debunk some of the most common myths out there which might be playing on your mind.

It’s important to remember that, when it comes to fertility, the medical professionals are used to dealing with people with a wide variety of conditions, concerns, questions and anxieties. It’s ok to ask questions, either to put your mind at rest, or to see how the GP or specialist may be able to help you.

Here are nine of the most common myths heard by the team at The IVF Network and the facts you might need to hear.

Having an abortion causes infertility

No. The NHS website states that, ‘Having an abortion will not usually affect your chances of becoming pregnant and having normal pregnancies in the future.’

However, the NHS website also says, with regard to abortion, that “there’s a very small risk to your fertility and future pregnancies if you develop a womb infection during the procedure that’s not treated properly.”

Having the Covid vaccine causes infertility

No. A review of data by the UK’s health regulator, shows that Covid-19 jabs don’t affect fertility or the chance of a healthy baby. In fact, the vaccine is recommended to both women and men who are wanting to start a family.

With regard to men, Albert Hsu, MD, said: “Men who are worried about their fertility should probably get the Covid-19 vaccine, as there are some concerns about the potential effect of Covid-19 disease on male fertility.’

Concerns have included a possible impact on testicular function and sperm production, as well as some reports of testicular pain after contracting Covid-19.

With regard to women, Laura Morris, MD, said: “Pregnant women get sicker when they get Covid compared to people their age and pregnant people with Covid are more likely to experience preterm delivery.”

Getting a yeast infection causes infertility

No. A yeast infection does not cause infertility. However, the itchiness and irritation associated with a yeast infection may decrease the likelihood of wanting to have intercourse.

Having irregular periods causes infertility

No. However, having irregular periods can make your cycle more difficult to track and therefore it can be harder to predict your most fertile times.

Also, if you are having less periods than every 28 days, you will ovulate less, which means that your chances of conceiving are also lower.

Having ovarian cysts causes infertility

No. The cysts themselves show that the reproductive system is working. However, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common and often treatable cause of infertility.

Contracting chlamydia causes infertility

Sometimes, in both women and men, having untreated chlamydia can lead to other complications, including infertility. We recommend regular STD checks in order to make sure you are receiving prompt treatment.

Endometriosis causes infertility

Rarely. Although endometriosis can make it much more difficult for women to get pregnant, most women who have mild endometriosis are not infertile.

Surgery which removes endometrial tissue can improve the chances of pregnancy for many women.

Men don’t experience infertility

According to a new study, almost a fifth (18 per cent) of men think women are the most likely to experience fertility issues, while 22 per cent aren’t really sure whether fertility problems impact men or women the most.

However the reality is that approximately 40-50 per cent of infertility cases have a contributing “male factor”, for example; sperm quality, motility and count (which has more than halved worldwide in the past 50 years).

Infertility means that you can never have a child

Infertility does not necessarily mean that you can never have a child. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

However, it’s important to note that infertility is a medical condition with various underlying causes, and it doesn’t always equate to permanent childlessness.

Several factors to consider are:

• The cause of infertility: The cause of infertility can vary from person to person. Some causes are treatable or manageable, while others may be more challenging to address
• Medical interventions: Many individuals and couples facing infertility can benefit from medical interventions and fertility treatments. These treatments may include medications, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), or surgical procedures. These interventions can help individuals and couples achieve pregnancy
• Adoption and surrogacy: Some individuals or couples who are unable to conceive may choose to explore alternative paths to parenthood, such as adoption or surrogacy
• Natural conception: In some cases, individuals or couples who have experienced infertility may still conceive naturally, even after failed fertility treatments
• Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modifications, such as improving diet, reducing stress, and quitting smoking, can sometimes enhance fertility and increase the chances of conception.

The IVF Network provides information, support and advice to help people struggling to conceive make informed choices, throughout their fertility journey.