Myths and Facts About Fertility – Iswarya Fertility Centre
28 Oct 2025
Common Myths and Facts About Fertility
Fertility is a topic surrounded by many myths and misconceptions that can cause confusion and unnecessary worry for those trying to conceive. Separating fact from fiction empowers couples with accurate knowledge, reducing stress and encouraging timely and appropriate medical care.
Myth 1: Stress Causes Infertility
Fact: While stress is a common experience, especially during fertility struggles, it is unlikely to be a direct cause of infertility. High stress might make attempts to conceive more difficult due to lifestyle and physical effects but managing stress improves overall well-being and may enhance fertility indirectly.
Myth 2: Fertility is Only a Female Issue
Fact: Male factors contribute to infertility about 40-50% of the time. Among couples facing infertility, around one-third of cases are due to male issues, one-third female issues, and the rest involve both partners or remain unexplained. Both partners should be evaluated when having difficulty conceiving.
Myth 3: You Can Conceive at Any Time During Your Cycle
Fact: Pregnancy is only likely during the fertile window, which lasts 5-6 days each cycle around ovulation. Many assume day 14 is universal for ovulation, but it varies by woman and cycle. Tracking ovulation with temperature charts, ovulation kits, or ultrasound increases chances of timing intercourse optimally.
Myth 4: Age Doesn’t Affect Male Fertility
Fact: Like women, men’s fertility declines with age. Sperm count, motility, and DNA quality reduce after age 40, raising risks to pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. While men produce sperm throughout life, quality decreases over time.
Myth 5: Smoking Only Affects You If You Smoke While Pregnant
Fact: Smoking damages reproductive health long before pregnancy. It accelerates egg loss, harms sperm quality, increases miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy chances, and reduces success rates of fertility treatments.

Myth 6: Infertility Is Rare
Fact: Infertility affects about 1 in 6-7 couples worldwide, making it a common medical challenge. Many people struggle silently; seeking help timely improves outcomes.
Myth 7: Having a Child Before Means You Can’t Be Infertile
Fact: Secondary infertility the inability to conceive after previously having one or more children is common. Causes may differ from the first pregnancy and require assessment. Past conception does not guarantee future fertility.
Myth 8: IVF Guarantees Pregnancy
Fact: IVF is among the most effective fertility treatments but does not guarantee success. Outcomes vary based on age, fertility issues, and embryo quality. Multiple cycles are often needed for pregnancy.
Myth 9: Contraceptive Use Causes Infertility
Fact: Modern contraception does not cause long-term infertility. Fertility typically returns within months of stopping contraception. Planned pregnancies usually have better outcomes.
Myth 10: Lifestyle Doesn’t Impact Fertility
Fact: Lifestyle factors like diet, weight, exercise, smoking, and alcohol significantly affect fertility in both men and women. Healthy habits boost natural fertility and treatment success.
Empowering Your Fertility Journey
Clearing up myths lets you focus on what matters: timely tests, healthy lifestyle choices, and expert care. If you struggle with fertility concerns, Iswarya Fertility Centre offers compassionate support guided by the latest science.
Get Facts, Not Myths, at Iswarya Fertility Centre
Knowledge is power on the path to parenthood. Let Iswarya Fertility Centre help you understand your fertility with transparent, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
Book a consultation today for trusted answers and hope.