Key Takeaway
Separate evidence-based medical facts from common fertility myths. Understand what science says about overall health, male fertility, age, lifestyle, and conceiving.
- •Myth 1: “If you are healthy, you will definitely get pregnant quickly.”
- •Myth 2: “Infertility is mainly a woman's problem.”
- •Myth 3: “A particular food, herb or herbal mixture can guarantee pregnancy.”
- •Myth 4: “Having sexual intercourse every day is the only way to get pregnant.”
- •Myth 5: “Infertility means you can never have a child.”
- •Myth 6: “Age does not matter as long as you are healthy.”
- •Myth 7: “Smoking does not affect fertility.”
- •What Really Helps When Trying to Conceive
- •When Should You See a Doctor
Trying to conceive can bring hope, questions and, sometimes, conflicting advice from friends, family, social media and traditional sources. Some commonly repeated fertility claims are not supported by medical evidence and may delay appropriate care.
Understanding what is fact and what is myth can help individuals and couples make informed reproductive health decisions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide at some point in their lives. Infertility may be associated with factors affecting the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system, both partners, or factors that cannot be identified.
Myth 1: “If you are healthy, you will definitely get pregnant quickly.”
Being generally healthy does not guarantee pregnancy. Fertility can be affected by age, ovulation, sperm production or function, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, hormonal conditions, previous infections, certain medical conditions and other factors.
Infertility is generally defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. However, an earlier medical assessment may be appropriate depending on an individual's circumstances.
Myth 2: “Infertility is mainly a woman's problem.”
Infertility can involve male factors, female factors, a combination of factors in both partners, or unexplained factors.
For men, fertility problems may involve low or absent sperm production, problems with sperm movement or shape, or difficulties with the delivery of semen. For women, possible causes include disorders affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus or reproductive hormones.
For this reason, fertility concerns should not automatically be attributed to the woman. Where infertility is suspected, assessment may need to consider both partners.
Myth 3: “A particular food, herb or herbal mixture can guarantee pregnancy.”
There is no single food, herb, supplement or home remedy that can guarantee pregnancy. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are important components of general health, but fertility problems may have medical causes that require proper assessment and treatment.
Unregulated herbal preparations can also present concerns because their ingredients, dosage, purity, interactions and safety may not be adequately established. People experiencing difficulty conceiving should therefore be cautious about replacing medical evaluation with unproven remedies.
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Myth 4: “Having sexual intercourse every day is the only way to get pregnant.”
Pregnancy requires sperm to meet an egg during the fertile period, but having intercourse every day is not necessarily required for conception.
Understanding the menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation can help couples understand when conception is more likely. However, menstrual cycles can vary, and estimating ovulation is not always straightforward.
A healthcare professional can provide appropriate guidance based on an individual's reproductive history and circumstances.
Myth 5: “Infertility means you can never have a child.”
Infertility does not automatically mean that pregnancy is impossible.
The appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause, the individuals involved and other clinical factors. Depending on the assessment, management may include treatment of an underlying condition, medicines, surgery where appropriate, or medically assisted reproduction such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
WHO recognises infertility care as including prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while noting that access to fertility care remains a challenge in many parts of the world.
Myth 6: “Age does not matter as long as you are healthy.”
Age can be an important factor in reproductive health. Fertility changes with age, although the effect varies between individuals.
This is one reason people who have concerns about their fertility should not rely solely on general health or online fertility claims. An appropriate medical assessment can help identify relevant factors and guide the next steps.
Myth 7: “Smoking does not affect fertility.”
Smoking can negatively affect reproductive health.
WHO reports that tobacco use is associated with infertility in women and can adversely affect sperm and sexual function in men. Second-hand smoke may also have reproductive health implications.
Avoiding tobacco and addressing other modifiable lifestyle factors can therefore form part of a healthier approach to reproductive health.
What Really Helps When Trying to Conceive
Rather than relying on fertility myths, consider these evidence-based steps:
1. Understand your reproductive health
Learn about the menstrual cycle, ovulation and factors that can influence fertility.
2. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Avoid tobacco, moderate alcohol consumption where applicable, maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced diet. WHO notes that lifestyle factors including smoking, excessive alcohol intake and obesity can be associated with infertility.
3. Do not ignore persistent difficulty conceiving
If pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, infertility assessment should be considered. Earlier assessment may be appropriate depending on individual circumstances.
4. Consider both partners
Because infertility can involve male, female, combined or unexplained factors, evaluation should not automatically focus on only one partner.
5. Seek qualified medical advice
A doctor can take an appropriate medical history, perform or recommend relevant examinations and investigations, and discuss suitable options based on the findings.
When Should You See a Doctor
Consider speaking with a qualified doctor if you have concerns about your ability to conceive, have been trying to become pregnant without success, have irregular or absent menstrual periods, have concerns about sperm or sexual function, or have a history that may affect reproductive health.
Do not allow myths, stigma or unverified claims to delay appropriate care.
A Final Word
Fertility is influenced by many factors, and there is no universal remedy that can guarantee pregnancy. The most responsible approach is to understand your reproductive health, adopt healthy habits, avoid unproven treatments and seek appropriate medical advice when necessary.
Fertility care should be based on accurate information, appropriate clinical assessment and evidence-based options rather than blame, fear or promises of guaranteed results. WHO emphasises the importance of accessible, quality fertility care and of addressing infertility without stigma.
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Medical Disclaimer
The educational content provided in this article is for general health awareness only and does not constitute individual medical diagnosis, consultation, or treatment. Always consult certified medical practitioners at Rhemalite Springs Hospital for clinical advice regarding reproductive conditions.
Rhemalite Springs Hospital LTD — Fertility & Reproductive Care
A premier general and specialist hospital in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. We offer full-spectrum reproductive health investigations, ovulation management, intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF support, and compassionate care tailored to your fertility goals.