10 Fertility Myths Addressed by OB/GYN Doctor

Difficulty in achieving pregnancy or infertility is one of the foremost problems for couples who are planning to conceive. Not every couple can fulfill their dream of getting pregnant with no effort. When the desire to achieve pregnancy arises, the couples must separate fact from fiction. Sometimes, well-meaning advice can be misleading.

Today, we have responses from our OB/GYN doctor addressing ten of the most common fertility myths and beliefs. Let's explore which beliefs can boost your chances of getting pregnant and create a roadmap for a successful pregnancy.

1. Is it true that rubbing a pregnant belly increases the chance of having a baby?

   No, it is not. Touching or rubbing a pregnant belly does not spur fertilization or embryo implantation. Fertilization occurs when a sperm from a man meets and enters an egg from a woman, forming an embryo that will implant in the uterus. However, touching a pregnant belly has no adverse effects; it can provide reassurance.

2. Is it true that eating green duck eggs improves the chance of pregnancy?

   This myth is not credible. The colors of the eggshell do not affect the amount or types of nutrients in the eggs. They also have nothing to do with increasing the chance of pregnancy. Eggshell colors are due to the breed of duck and the food they consume. Prospective mothers can consume eggs of any color. They are good sources of proteins suitable for moderate consumption. Following a healthy and balanced nutrition is more appropriate than focusing solely on proteins.

3. Is it true that prolonged use of birth control pills can affect fertility?

   No, it is not. Oral contraceptives have no impact on fertility despite continuous and prolonged use. Ovulation will resume 1 month after stopping birth control pills. However, the contraceptive injection DMPA, administered every 3 months, is a form of birth control that can potentially lead to fertility issues. By thinning the endometrium and preventing ovulation even after long-term discontinuation, this approach could lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles, with a significant delay before ovulation resumes.

4. Is it true that eating animal genitalia can improve the chance of pregnancy?

   No, it is not. Despite the legend that animal genitalia is an energy booster and fertility-enhancing food that can increase the chance of conception. It has not been scientifically proven or has no supporting evidence or study.

5. Is it true that the more frequent sexual intercourse, the higher the chance of getting pregnant?

   The answer is no. Although frequent sexual intercourse increases the likelihood of a sperm meeting an egg, what matters is having sexual intercourse close to ovulation. To successfully increase the chance of conception, parents-to-be should plan sexual intercourse around ovulation and count for the dates. Additionally, couples should have intercourse every other day to allow a father-to-be to rest and recover for better sperm quality. As for a sexual position, it has no impact on conception at all.

6. Is it true that daily consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tea is detrimental to conception?

   This belief is true. Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee have an impact on the production and functions of hormones: less sperm production in men and potentially no ovulation in women.

7. Do men who frequently place a laptop on their lap risk experiencing fertility issues?

   This answer is still up for debate. Despite many studies suggesting that too high a temperature can affect sperm development, no studies or research confirms that placing a laptop on a man's lap impacts sperm development. No studies or research has quantified parameters such as usage time or the threshold temperature. In addition, different models of laptops have different ventilation and heat generation characteristics, affecting the heat buildup and dissipation during use. 

8. Is it true that wearing tight underwear can lead to infertility in men?

   The answer is open to discussion: No study or research has confirmed that wearing tight-fitting pants with heat buildup can lead to infertility.

9. Is it true that irregular menstruation can cause difficulty getting pregnant?

   Yes, it is true. A regular menstrual period usually means regular egg production and ovulation, which increases the likelihood of pregnancy and facilitates family planning. On the other hand, irregular menstrual periods may reflect fertility issues like slow-growing follicles and eggs or no ovulation. These are factors that hinder the chance of pregnancy.

10. Is it true that the COVID-19 vaccines can cause infertility?

    No, it is not. According to studies on the impacts or side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines, no report links COVID-19 vaccines to infertility. Most importantly, vaccination is crucial to prevent adverse symptoms of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

What is the real cause of infertility?

To overcome doubt and answer other fertility myths not mentioned by our OB/GYB doctor in this article, knowing the underlying causes of infertility is more or less beneficial one way or the other. Infertility can be due to various causes from men and women factors, e.g., abnormal semen, diminished ovarian reserve, anovulation, a blocked fallopian tube, etc.

Couples should consult an OB/GYN specializing in infertility and assisted reproductive technology for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and guidance on family planning to identify the root cause of infertility and find effective treatment.

Turn your dreams into reality. Let's talk about your family's success story!