Fertility Myths
Many couples think they will immediately get pregnant when they start trying for a baby. There are many myths and facts about fertility. This information provides you with these myths and truths, as well as guiding you in conception.
- You need to have sex every day during your fertile window
Truth: Having sex every second or third day will give you the same fertility outcome as having sex every day.
Calculate your pregnancy window »
- I need to see my temperature rise before I have sex
Truth: It is best to have sexual intercourse two to three days before you ovulate, not during or after ovulation.
Find out more about your menstrual cycle »
- Sperm function is better after 10 days abstinence
Truth: The best quality sperm is produced by ejaculation every two to three days. A long interval results in the production of many damaged or dead sperm.
Learn more about male reproduction »
- As long as I'm under 40, there's still time to keep trying
Truth: Age has a major impact on the success rates of infertility treatments as well as your natural ability to conceive. By the age of 40 a healthy women has only a 5% chance of getting pregnant in a given month. So if you’re already over 36, you should seek medical advice if you’ve been trying for six months.
Read about fertility and the effect of age »
- We're both young and healthy, so we won;t have an problems conceiving
Truth: Young and healthy people can still have issues affecting their fertility. Medical conditions and genetic disorders can affect fertility, whatever your age.
Learn more about female fertility conditions »
Read about male fertility conditions »- If I have fertility treatment, I will probably have twins or triplets
Truth: IVF with single embryo transfer will reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy to less than 1%.
Read more about our fertility treatments and services »
- My miscarriage could have been caused by stress, business travel, or exercise
Truth: There is no evidence that any of these factors contribute to miscarriage. Most miscarriages are due to random genetic or developmental errors.
Learn more about miscarriage »
- Wearing tight clothes or bike shorts adversely affects the quality of sperm
Truth: There is no scientific evidence to support this.
Find out what factors can affect sperm quality »
- Taking vitamins and supplements could improve my sperm count
Truth: There is no scientific evidence to support this.
Find out what factors can affect sperm quality »
If you have been trying to conceive for twelve months or more without success (or six months if you are over 36) we recommend a fertility assessment with a Melbourne IVF fertility specialist.
If you would like to make an appointment please call us on 1800 111 483 or complete the form below.