Education Center | Fertility Myths
Myth:
Infertility is a women's problem.
Fact:This
is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that
infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a
male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of
the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of
cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman
be evaluated during an infertility work-up.
Myth:
Everyone seems to get pregnant at the drop of a hat.
Fact:
More than five million people of childbearing age in the
United States experience infertility. When you seek
support, you will find that you are not alone. Join
RESOLVE, a support group, or talk with
others who are struggling to build a family, so that you
won't feel isolated. At The Center, we can also help you
connect with people who have been or who are going
through infertility.
Myth:
It's all in your head! Why don't you relax or take a
vacation. Then you'll get pregnant!
Fact:
Infertility is a disease or condition of the
reproductive system. While relaxing may help you with
your overall quality of life, the stress and deep
emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not the
cause of it. Improved medical techniques have made it
easier to diagnose infertility problems.
Myth:
Don't worry so much -- it just takes time. You'll get
pregnant if you're just patient.
Fact:
Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At
least 50% of those who complete an infertility
evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful
pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher
or lower success rates. Those who do not seek help have
a "spontaneous cure rate" of about 5% after a year of
infertility.
Myth:
If you adopt a baby you'll get pregnant!
Fact:
This is one of the most painful myths for couples
to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means
to an end, not a happy and successful end in itself.
Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the
rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same
as for those who do not adopt.
Myth:
Why don't you just forget it and adopt? After all, there
are so many babies out there who need homes!
Fact:
For many, adoption is a happy resolution to infertility.
However, most people explore medical treatment for
infertility prior to considering adoption. In addition,
traditional adoption options have changed, and adoption
can be more costly and time-consuming than expected. It
is, however, still possible to adopt the healthy baby of
your dreams. There are also many older children and
children with special needs available for adoption.
Myth:
Maybe you two are doing something wrong!
Fact:
Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual
disorder.
Myth:
My partner might leave me because of our infertility.
Fact:
The majority of couples do survive the infertility
crisis, learning in the process new ways of relating to
each other, which deepens their relationship in years to
follow.
Myth:
Perhaps this is God's way of telling you that you two
aren't meant to be parents!
Fact:
It is particularly difficult to hear this when you are
struggling with infertility. You know what loving
parents you would be, and it is painful to have to
explain to others that you have a medical problem.
Myth:
Infertility is nature's way of controlling population.
Fact:
Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of
world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to
replace themselves with two children. Individuals or
couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree
or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who
desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose.
Myth:
I shouldn't take a month off from infertility treatment
for any reason... I just know that this next month will
be THE one!
Fact:
It is important periodically to reassess your
treatment and your parenting goal. Continuity in
treatment is important, but sometimes a break can
provide needed rest and renewal for the next steps.
Myth:
I'll be labeled a 'trouble maker' if I ask too many
questions.
Fact:
The physician/patient team is important. You need to be
informed about what treatments are available. What is
right for one couple may not be right for another,
either physically, financially, or emotionally. Don't be
afraid to ask questions of anyone at The Center.
Myth:
I know I'll never be able to stop treatment until I have
a pregnancy.
Fact:
Pregnancy is not the only pathway to parenthood. You may
begin to think more about parenthood than about
pregnancy. You may long for your life to get back to
normal. You may consider childfree living or begin to
think of other ways to build a family.
Sources:
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Michigan and
RESOLVE.
Our Main
Office: (248)-619-3100
