From tight underwear causing infertility in men to holding your legs up after intercourse to increase chances of pregnancy, there are many myths about fertility that have long been disguised as facts. This can make things confusing for couples trying to conceive, with so many “rules” to follow that often seem to overlap or negate each other.
Struggling to conceive can already be an emotional trek, so adding contradicting information to the mix can be overwhelming and heighten your stress. For anyone on a fertility journey, it’s crucial to entrust your OBGYN or health practitioner with all the questions you have relative to your unique medical history.
With that in mind, here are eight fertility myths science has proven otherwise.
Myth #1: You Can’t Get Pregnant If You’re Not Ovulating
While your ovulation window is the only time your egg can get fertilized, there are cases where ovulation can occur without being detected or happen unexpectedly. This is especially true for those with irregular menstrual cycles. Sperm can also live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, meaning that pregnancy is possible if intercourse occurs even a few days before ovulation. 1
In short, cycles can be unpredictable and follow unusual patterns—so it’s essential to plan for this when it comes to your fertility journey.
Myth #2: Fertility Issues Are A Woman's Fault
First of all, conceiving or not conceiving is no one’s “fault.” Though many women blame themselves for struggling to conceive, male infertility is responsible for about half of infertility cases, influenced by issues relating to sperm production or function.2 While no one is to blame, women often feel the brunt of societal pressure and judgment when conception takes longer than anticipated.
This is why products like PREGGO Sperm Health exist—emphasizing that women and men can take steps to support their individual fertility journeys. Couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving should be adamant about evaluating both partners’ health, as understanding the full picture can lead to more effective treatment strategies and communication.
Myth #3: You’re Fertile As Long As You’re Under 35
Women's fertility rates begin to decline in their mid-20s, and this decline accelerates in mid-30s.3 While being younger certainly does support chances of conceiving, factors like medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and genetics also play significant roles in a woman’s fertility, regardless of age. And while men can produce new sperm regularly, the quality of their sperm declines with age as well.
It’s also not uncommon for women to conceive and birth children after age 35.
Myth #4: Infertility Is Always Incurable
Infertility can be one of the most challenging diagnoses a woman can encounter in her lifetime. However, many of the underlying causes that affect infertility are treatable or manageable.
In fact, nearly 90% of infertility cases can be positively impacted with therapies like drug treatment, surgery, and assisted reproductive techniques.4 It’s important to have ongoing conversations with your trusted healthcare provider about what the future looks like for you—and don’t be afraid to get more than one professional opinion.
Myth #5: You Should Try To Conceive For A Year Before Visiting The OBGYN
Infertility is defined as one year of unprotected intercourse without conception.5 However, it’s important to note that this is more of a guideline than an actual rule. Women who are over the age of 35, those with a history of irregular periods, multiple miscarriages, or other hormonal disorders should consult an OBGYN sooner, as early intervention can be crucial.
Myth #6: You Can’t Get Pregnant After 35
We mentioned this briefly above, but seriously: We’ve fortunately gathered more than enough evidence to prove this isn’t the case.
While fertility can decline with age, many women in their late 30s and 40s conceive naturally or with assistance. Factors like overall health, lifestyle, and individual fertility play a significant role, so age alone shouldn't discourage those seeking to become parents later in life. This myth goes hand in hand with the misinformation that your baby will be less healthy if they aren’t conceived by a “young” mother—and this simply is not the case.
Myth #7: Certain Sex Positions Improve the Odds of Pregnancy
Though it’d certainly be helpful if true, the position you’re having intercourse in won’t exactly make or break your chances of getting pregnant. There’s no actual scientific evidence to support this claim.
The key factor in getting pregnant is ultimately the presence of sperm in the reproductive tract, regardless of position.6 Factors such as the timing of intercourse in relation to ovulation are far more critical for conception than the sexual position itself.
Myth #8: You Can’t Get Pregnant With An Irregular Period
While having an irregular cycle certainly makes it more difficult to track down when you’re ovulating, that doesn’t mean you’re not ovulating at all. Many women with irregular periods successfully conceive, often without any medical intervention.
Understanding one's unique cycle and potential ovulation windows can help improve chances of pregnancy. In fact, tracking your body temperature and noting differences in your vaginal discharge can make all the difference in getting to know your ovulation cycle.
A note on sex and gender: Sex and gender exists on spectrums, and this article uses terms like “male” or “female” to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
