Busting fertility myths
There's SO much information out there about fertility and trying to conceive, what you should do and what you shouldn’t do. And it can be really confusing and difficult to know what to believe.
So using the knowledge of some of the best fertility experts out there, we’re going to bust some fertility myths and dispel some of the common misconceptions.
1: After 35 years old, you’re no longer fertile.
FALSE! You don’t stop being fertile on your 35th birthday. Your fertility gradually declines as you get older, starting with being most fertile in our 20’s, gradually declining through our 30’s. We’re born with millions of eggs, which over time we will naturally lose - and unfortunately, we don’t get any more. But yes, it’s entirely possible to get pregnant - either naturally or with assisted conception - if you’re 35 or older.
2: Fertility issues are a female’s problem.
FALSE! Fertility issues are not solely down to women/females. It’s actually more like 50/50 - with a third of infertility causes being attributed to female factors, another third being attributed to male factors, and the final third being a combination of female and male factors, and unknown causes
3: Your GP can only refer you to a fertility clinic if you’ve been trying for over 12 months.
This is actually a little bit true and a little bit false! It’s recommended that you try to conceive for at least 12 months before speaking to your GP. This means having regular unprotected (but still safe) sex. However, if you’re 35 or older and have been trying for over 6 months without success, you can speak to your GP at that point. This also applies if you have any known medical conditions that may impact your fertility.
4: An irregular menstrual cycle is a sign of infertility.
FALSE! It can be normal for your cycle to be slightly irregular and change month to month - which is totally normal. Factors that can affect your cycle can include stress and changes to your lifestyle. However, if you’re at the point where your monthly cycles are very irregular - for example, you’re finding them difficult to track or even if you’re missing monthly cycles completely, then you should speak to your GP.
Wanna learn more about your fertility? Check out our TTC Pack - our online course for those trying to conceive.