Let’s talk about myths and facts about infertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

There are many myths associated with infertility and IVF treatment. Today let’s burst some myths and consider facts about it. 

Myth No.1: Infertility is a psychological problem, not a physical one! 

Fact: Friends and family may suggest that infertility is due to you being under stress or due to worrying too much. While infertility is usually a condition of the reproductive system, in 30% of cases the cause is unexplained. Stress in any situation is never good for your health and studies indicate that time to achieve pregnancy can be reduced and success rates for achieving pregnancy increased by cutting down on stress. Start relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation for about 10-20 minutes a day, which can relieve your stress and improve your overall well-being. 

Myth No. 2: A woman can get pregnant only on a single day of her menstrual cycle. 

Fact: The fertile window is the six-days that end on the day of ovulation. Pregnancy is most likely to occur with intercourse within the three days before ovulation. Keep track of ovulation with the calendar method (ovulation occurs around 14 days before the menstrual period is due) or by using an ovulation predictor kit. Frequent sex boosts your chances of conceiving. It’s important to have a happy sex life. Be relaxed and have sex often throughout the month. 

Myth No.3: Infertility treatment is expensive 

Fact: In some cases infertility treatment can be expensive, but in many cases, it is simple, brief and inexpensive.  The sooner patients

are seen and treated; the more likely basic treatment will succeed. Timely treatment can also minimize cost. 

Myth No. 4: Perhaps this is God’s way of telling you that you’ll aren’t meant to be parents! 

Fact: This is another suggestion that must be very difficult to hear. Especially when you are going through the emotional roller coaster of handling the treatment for infertility. But you must trust your gut instinct that is always right, when it tells you that you would make marvellous and loving parents to a very lucky child.