The three fertility myths our doctors hear most often
Every day, our Louisiana fertility specialists see women and men of all ages and backgrounds, who come to us with a common goal: To have a baby. It’s our job to give them the information they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and their path to parenthood. Sometimes that starts with debunking common fertility myths.
Here are the top three fertility myths our Louisiana fertility specialists encounter.
Fertility Myth, #1: “That celebrity mom could have twins after 40, so I can too.”
When you see glamorous stars having babies later in life, it’s easy to assume you have plenty of time to have a baby without ever having to see our Louisiana fertility specialists. But like so much about the lifestyles of the rich and famous, everything may not be quite as perfect as it appears on the big screen.
In truth, no amount of money or talent can stop the ravages of time on a woman’s ovaries. It’s certainly possible for women to get pregnant in their 40s, but it’s unlikely to happen without medical intervention. If you see a star showing off her baby bump at 45, don’t fall for the fertility myth. Chances are the bun in her oven was created through IVF, likely using donor eggs.
Fertility Myth, #2: “Only older women have to worry about infertility.”
The chances of infertility increase with age, but younger women can also struggle to get pregnant. For some, structural problems caused by birth defects, sexually transmitted diseases or prior surgeries can make pregnancy without IVF difficult or impossible. Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause infertility at any age.
For some women, ovarian reserve simply begins to decline earlier than normal, and in cancer survivors the effects of cancer treatment on future fertility can be unpredictable. For women of any age who are concerned about what the future holds for their fertility, egg freezing can provide peace of mind.
Fertility Myth, #3: “We know it’s me, not him, because he’s already fathered a child.”
Even with an abnormal sperm count or swimmers who don’t swim normally, a man can still have enough normal sperm to have fathered a child in the past – but it doesn’t mean it will happen naturally again, especially if the female partner also has fertility issues.
It can be hard to convince your partner that some fertility myths aren’t true, but the fact is, male fertility can decline with age. Environmental factors, such as exposure to heat or toxins, can also wreak havoc on a man’s supply of healthy sperm. So even if your male partner is already a daddy, he still needs fertility testing to give your Louisiana fertility specialist the complete picture of your overall fertility as a couple.
The first step is fertility testing
If you’ve been a believer in any of these top three fertility myths, you’re certainly not alone. We are here to give you the facts so that you can be an informed partner in your own fertility care, and that begins with comprehensive fertility testing for both you and your partner.
To get the truth about common fertility myths and your fertility potential, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our Louisiana fertility specialists.
