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Not everything you hear about fertility is true. In this article, we share the 5 things that fertility MDs and OB-GYNs wish that their patients knew. It’s time to dispel some myths!
#1: Getting pregnant is not a “surefire” thing, even if you’re under 35
Here’s what Brian Levine, MD and founding partner of CCRM-New York fertility clinic says: many women assume that as long as they attempt to get pregnant before the age of 35, they’ll be able to do so without much difficulty.
While it’s true that the average woman will experience more problems after the age of 35, Dr Levine says that women in their 20s and early 30s could also be infertile – it’s just that they don’t discover it until they start trying to conceive. Don’t lull yourself into a false sense of security, regardless of your age!
#2: Giving birth doesn’t make you immune to infertility
According to Dr Lim Min Yu, couples who have already given birth once may still be at risk of secondary infertility. (This refers to the situation in which a woman has already given birth to one or more children, but is now unable to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term).
What is the cause of secondary infertility? Dr Lim says that various factors come into the mix, including both male and female sexual health issues. Even if you’ve given birth before, there’s no reason to get complacent and think that you can have a second or third child as and when you wish!
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#3: Many causes of infertility are reversible
Blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids in the uterus, cysts on the ovaries, thyroid abnormalities – these might sound scary, but they’re actually easily reversible. Don’t worry if you’re diagnosed with one or more of these conditions – according to Dr Levine, all you need to do is undergo a simple surgery, and chances are you’ll be able to go on and get pregnant on your own.
#4: When it comes to sex, opt for quality over quantity
Paula Amato, MD, associate professor of ob-gyn at Oregon Health & Science University, says that couples who have sex indiscriminately (with the hopes of having a baby!) are doing it wrong. For those who are trying to conceive, it isn’t a number’s game. Instead of having copious amounts of sex throughout the month, couples should focus their efforts on the fertile window.
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#5: STIs can come back to haunt you
Not many people know this, but having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to permanent damage to your fallopian tubes. Mary Jane Minkin, MD and clinical professor of obstetrics, gynaecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School implores women to practice safe sex; she also says that women attempting to get pregnant should disclose all previous and current medical conditions (including STIs) to their gynaecologists. The more open you are with your gynaecologist, the more they can help you!
Fertility consultation with BeNatural’s fertility coach, Marie Otsuka
If you and your partner would like to learn more about conceiving, come down for a 45-minute consultation with Marie Otsuka, BeNatural’s fertility coach. In this session, Marie will seek to understand the couple’s situation, and offer insights she’s gained through her 10 years of experience in working with infertile Singaporeans. Slots are limited and on a first come first serve basis; contact us here to schedule an appointment!
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