When you’re faced with infertility, you may feel as if you’re alone in the dark. Sure, friends and family might try to bring bouts of optimism your way, telling you about remedies on how to become fertile. Still, those kind gestures usually don’t help at all — especially when you feel vulnerable.
Thankfully, medical advances have helped make it possible for some couples to conceive — from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to surrogacy — there are several options to consider before giving up hope. However, there is still a slew of misinformation out there. Here’s how to spot the facts from the myths:
Common Infertility Myths
Myth 1: Only Women are Affected by Infertility
Typically, when there’s any inkling of a fertility-based issue, many are quick to point in the direction of a woman. However, that’s not always the case: men can also be the root of the problem.
In fact, one-third of infertility cases are due to male fertility issues, one-third are due to female fertility issues, and the remaining cases are the result of problems in both partners. That’s why if a couple is struggling to conceive, both partners should go through infertility testing.
Read more: What Causes Male Infertility?
Myth 2: Constant Stress Can Cause Infertility
Nowadays, life can be stressful. From work-related issues to personal relationships, there are many everyday stressors in an individual’s life. And while chronic stress is said to play a large part in infertility, it’s never the sole cause.
Truthfully, infertility is a medical condition — not one that is psychological. Granted, it’s wise for any individual to “take a breather,” an unlimited amount of relaxation will not be able to cure medically diagnosed infertility.
Myth 3: A Woman Can’t Experience Infertility If She Already Has a Child
Unfortunately, secondary infertility is very real and more common than you think. The World Health Organization defines secondary infertility as “when a woman is unable to bear a child, either due to the inability to become pregnant or the inability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth following either a previous pregnancy or a previous ability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth.”
While the exact causes aren’t specified, it’s likely that the same factors that result in primary infertility can also cause secondary infertility.
When You’re Left in the Dark About Infertility, ACRM is Here to Light the Way
Infertility is devastating, but you’re not alone. Here at Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine, we offer several treatments for infertility so that you and your partner can explore all the options. If you have any specific questions, ask one of our fertility experts now»