Fertility old wives’ tales: Which are true?
Through many generations, families across the globe have passed down a few supposed truths on how to start a family. These are pieces of advice born out of a desire to offer comfort where certainty is hard to find. Some of them hold surprising merit, while others can only be summed up as wishful thinking. To avoid putting unnecessary pressure on couples, it is important to share only what is accurate and concrete. So with that in mind, let us examine a few popular fertility myths through a scientific lens and try to separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: Certain sexual positions increase conception odds
A common suggestion when trying for a baby is that certain positions during intercourse increase the chances of pregnancy. Positions such as missionary are often said to help sperm reach the cervix more easily, and some believe that staying in bed with legs raised after sex gives sperm a better chance.
Science shows otherwise. There is no evidence that any position or posture affects fertility. Once semen enters the vagina, sperm begin their journey toward the egg immediately. These cells are highly mobile and do not rely on body angle or position during intercourse.
What matters more than any position is comfort and intimacy. Even if it does not increase the odds of conception, couples who focus on shared enjoyment will always find the process less stressful than those who treat it like an exercise.
Myth 2: Stress prevents pregnancy – Just relax!
This myth is not only super common but also the most frustrating of the bunch. Many couples are told that they are too stressed to conceive and that a bit of relaxation is all they need. To put it mildly, such advice is not helpful and only furthers the blame game.
Stress alone does not cause fertility problems, and people do conceive even while experiencing high levels of worry or emotional strain.
That said, keeping stress levels in check is important for both partners’ mental health. Activities such as yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness and nature walks can help make daily life calmer. Counselling is also an option if the pressure becomes difficult to manage alone. These practices do not guarantee pregnancy, but they support a healthier state of mind and body, which is valuable when trying for a baby.
Myth 3: Laptops on laps reduce male fertility
Unlike the two myths we’ve discussed so far, this one is based on real science. Using a laptop directly on the lap for long periods can raise scrotal temperature, which may lower sperm quality. A little heat is unlikely to cause serious harm, but prolonged exposure over many months can affect fertility.
As a precaution, place laptops on desks or bed tables instead. Wearing loose-fitting underwear and limiting exposure to heat when trying to conceive are small steps that help reduce unnecessary warmth around the groin.
Myth 4: Fertility drops off a cliff at 35
Yes, fertility declines with age, but the process is gradual rather than immediate. The body does not flip a switch that dramatically reduces fertility at 35.
In the twenties and early thirties, egg quantity and quality are at their peak. From the mid-thirties, both begin to decline at a faster pace. While this lowers the odds of conception, it does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Many women in their late thirties and early forties conceive naturally and carry healthy pregnancies.
Age is just one factor affecting fertility, not the sole deciding force. Women at 35 do not face an instant fertility cliff, but monitoring reproductive health and adding a few tests or medical checks helps keep things safe.
Myth 5: Previous pregnancy guarantees future fertility
Another common, but potentially devastating, belief is that once a woman has had a child, having another should be easy. Sadly, this is not always the case. In fact, there is a medical term for it, known as secondary infertility – something that affects more people than soemone can imagine.
The causes for this are as wide as they get. Some link it to age, while others chalk it up to hormone changes, blocked fallopian tubes, reduced sperm quality, or new health conditions. Lifestyle changes, such as weight gain or the start of certain medications, can also change things for a couple.
On the bright side, knowing that past fertility does not guarantee anything for the future can help struggling couples act early. If pregnancy does not happen naturally within a year of regular attempts, they can speak with a fertility specialist to turn things for the better.
Balancing traditions with realities
The common thread between all these tales is how, since time immemorial, people have tried to add certainty to fertility. They may not be reliable, but they are born out of care and hope. Respecting tradition matters, as does recognising its limits.
Shifting toward evidence-based advice helps ease the pressure created by myths and offers couples a clearer path forward. For those struggling, visiting a fertility clinic in London t can provide concrete guidance and help with the proper next steps.
In the end, understanding fertility means balancing long-held traditions with medical evidence. While some old beliefs contain small fragments of truth, many create harmful expectations and unnecessary pressure. Separating fact from folklore is essential. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence grounded in science and support can guide the next step toward starting a family.
The editorial unit
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