Fertility Education

Myths/Misconceptions

Fertility Myth: Smoking Marijuana does not affect fertility.
Reality: False. Smoking marijuana, even infrequently, can dramatically affect sperm and egg quality.

Fertility Myth: Drinking wine is better than hard alcohol and does not affect fertility.
Reality: False. In women, drinking may lead to irregular menstrual cycles and anovulatory menstruation (menstruation that occurs without ovulation). Alcohol can also increase the risk of birth defects once a woman becomes pregnant and can cause a severe collection of birth defects known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Fertility Myth: Eating habits and weight have no barring on fertility.
Reality: False. Poor nutrition can have an impact on fertility. Women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 or those that are severely underweight, may have difficulties with fertility.

Fertility Myth: If we have intercourse a few times a month, we will get pregnant.
Reality: False. In conception, timing is everything. Women are the most fertile 14 - 21 days following their menstrual cycle (ovulating). Experts recommend intercourse every other day to increase the likelihood of natural conception.

Fertility Myth: If a couple opts for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), they will have multiples.
Reality: False. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been used for over 25 years. The goal of any skilled IVF program is healthy, single births. The rate of multiples is approximately 20% and there is a direct correlation with the mother's age as approximately 1/3 of embryos transferred result in a healthy child.

Fertility Myth: Age is not a factor in reproduction.
Reality: False. Age is a direct correlation to one's egg quality and quantity. By the age of 35, the risk of infertility rises significantly. The optimal conception range for women is 18 - 29 years of age.

Last updated: July 22, 2008
Author: Dr. Arlene J. Morales

 

 

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