How to Treat Infertility - 5 Myths Not to Believe

Most couples that are struggling with how to treat infertility will inevitably hear all about the latest and greatest solutions to their problems. Don't be put off. Nearly all of these old wive's tales and myths are good for absolutely nothing. This article will address some of our favorites.

How To Treat Infertility - Myth #1
I am sure that many couples that are trying 'everything' to achieve conception have heard from well meaning friends and family the "Relax! Stop trying so hard and you will be pregnant in no time." myth. This myth is just that, a myth. Relaxing will not suddenly correct infertility. The infertile couple faces many things, treatment options, continuous exams and tests, and stress. Relaxing may reduce the stress, and improve the couple's quality of life, but stopping all the treatments, exams and tests will not increase the chances of pregnancy.

How To Treat Infertility - Myth #2
Perhaps you have been on the receiving end of the "Maybe this is God's way of telling you that you were not meant to be parents" statement. As painful as it is hear such a thing, all infertile couples need to know that infertility is not a punishment for your past, or a sentence of your future. Infertility is a medical condition, and in most cases is fully treatable. Don't fall for the God myth; no one is punishing you for anything or any reason.

How To Treat Infertility - Myth #3
As you are learning more and more about how to treat infertility, maybe you've heard this one before, "Infertility is only a worry for older women." Unfortunately this just is not true, fertility begins to decline in the late 20's and significantly declines after age 35. In my book, as I get older, 35 still seems pretty young to me. Although age can be a factor in infertility, I have known 18 year olds that needed treatment just as much at 38 year olds did. Infertility can happen at any age.

How To Treat Infertility - Myth #4
Equally absurd is the "Infertility is a woman's problem." myth. As scary as it may be for men, in about 35% of infertility cases, the problem lies with the man. In another 35% of the cases the problem is with the woman, and in about 20% of cases, there is both a male and female problem. About 10% of infertility cases are due to unexplained infertility, which basically means that there seems to be no 'medical' reason for the infertility.

How To Treat Infertility - Myth #5
I don't know how this one got started, but the idea that if you "Just adopt, you will get pregnant for sure." has been around for quite a while. Unfortunately, this just is not true at all. The pregnancy achievement rate for those that adopt verses those that do not is the same, about 5% for the infertile couple. If an infertile couple decides to adopt and they later find that they are pregnant, it should be seen as nothing more than a happy coincidence and blessing.

So there you have it, 5 infertility myths to tuck into your back pocket. Why your back pocket?
Because that's where they belong, never to see the light of day again!