The internet is filled with excellent resources on fertility and conception, but it's also home to quite a lot of misinformation, rumors, and myths. When you and your partner are trying to conceive, you need the facts. Here we'll debunk some common fertility myths and provide the answers to some common FAQs to help you make sense of the information without becoming overwhelmed.
Fertility Myths Debunked
Myth 1: Missionary is the best sex position for getting pregnant.
Many tales claim that the best sex position to get pregnant is missionary, but this is untrue. Your chances of conceiving depend on your reproductive health, fertility, and where you are in your cycle. So, what is the best position to get pregnant? Any sex position can lead to conception, so feel free to switch it up.
Myth 2: Lifting your legs up after sex for 20 minutes will help you get pregnant.
You may have read this one online or heard the tip from a friend. However, there's no scientific evidence that tilting or propping up your pelvis will help your partner's swimmers find their way. Gravity actually has little to no impact. You'll likely just experience numb legs for your efforts. You're better off sticking to proven methods, like tracking ovulation, to optimize your chances of conceiving.
Myth 3: Being on hormonal birth control pills for too long will delay pregnancy.
Many women worry that long-time use of hormonal birth control pills will make it more difficult to get pregnant or increase the time it takes to conceive. The good news is that for most women, fertility returns immediately or within a few months after you stop using birth control. Premama® Balance contains nutrients to support a healthy hormone balance.
Myth 4: Infertility is primarily a women's issue.
Both women and men have an equal chance of facing fertility challenges. It's important to have both partners evaluated to discern if there is a problem and get your doctor's advice on how to proceed. Most experts recommend seeing a physician after 12 months of having sex without getting pregnant, or after 6 months for women after 35.
Myth 5: Men don't have biological clocks.
While men continue to generate new sperm into their older years, the quality of the semen decreases with age and can affect fertility or outcomes. Leading a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from smoking, and paying close attention to nutrition can help men maintain optimal reproductive health as they age.
Myth 6: You should have sex every day when trying to conceive.
How often should you have sex to get pregnant? Most doctors recommend that you have sex every two to three days instead of every day. Having sex too frequently can actually decrease your chances of conceiving because the ejaculate contains fewer sperm.
Timing intercourse correctly to take advantage of your fertility window is important. Tracking your cycle to determine when you ovulate, typically between 12 and 16 days before the start of your period, can help improve your chances.
Myth 7: Infertility is rare.
Infertility is more common than you may think, with about one in five women experiencing challenges getting pregnant. Struggling to conceive can take a huge emotional toll, so it's important to offer support to your partner and reach out to a healthcare professional for medical advice. Infertility issues are normal, but there are solutions available.
Myth 8: Menstrual cycles are always 28 days, and every woman ovulates on Day 14.
Every woman's cycle is different. These variations are normal and healthy. The important factor is learning your own cycle to determine when you ovulate. Track your symptoms like increased basal body temperature, tender breasts, ovulation pain, increased libido, cervical position, and cervical mucus. You can also use ovulation predictor kits to help you time when to have intercourse.
How long does it take to get pregnant during ovulation? Your egg only lives for up to 24 hours, but sperm can live for five days. Once you know when to expect ovulation, you can have sex before and during ovulation to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Myth 9: Using a menstrual cup to keep the sperm in the vagina can help get you pregnant.
Some tales have spread that using a menstrual cup can help conception by keeping sperm in the vagina. However, it's normal for some semen to leak out, and trapping it inside won't make a difference. There is no evidence that menstrual cups can aid in conception. They may instead cause irritation and pose a risk of the rare, but serious infection.
How much sperm is needed to get pregnant? It only takes one. It's better to time intercourse with your fertile window by testing for ovulation and signs of fertility like an egg-white consistency to your cervical mucus.
Myth 10: You should start a prenatal vitamin only after you've become pregnant.
Supporting your body by balancing your hormones and ensuring you get the proper nutrients can support your fertility and early pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are great for preconception care as well as early fetal development. Premama®'s Prenatal Vitamins can help keep you and your baby healthy before conception and throughout your pregnancy.
We're Here to Help on Your Fertility Journey!
Premama® understands that trying to have a baby is both exciting and overwhelming. We are here to support you with fertility products, information and advice, and a community of other mamas-to-be who understand exactly what you are going through.
We offer support and encouragement as you embark on your fertility journey, along with a place to voice your questions and concerns to ease your worries. Premama® is an excellent tool to use alongside fertility clinics and your doctor's personalized medical advice.
Common Fertility FAQs
How long does it take to get pregnant during ovulation?
Your odds of getting pregnant are about 15% to 25% each month if you have intercourse during ovulation or in the days leading up to it. The timeline is different for everyone, but your egg only lives for 12 to 24 hours after getting released, but sperm can survive for five days, so it's important to time sex before and during ovulation to avoid missing your window.
How much sperm is needed to get pregnant?
It only takes a single sperm to get pregnant. However, fertility is highest when the ejaculate contains at least 15 million sperm per milliliter.
How long does it take to get pregnant?
Most couples will get pregnant within a year of trying. If you don't get pregnant in this timeframe, you should see a fertility specialist to identify any concerns. Women over 35 should seek fertility advice after six months of trying without conceiving.
How easy is it to get pregnant?
The time it takes to get pregnant depends on your and your partner's fertility, overall health, and the timing of intercourse. Everyone's journey is different. This is normal. If you are concerned or want advice, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
How to increase your chances of getting pregnant?
Optimize your fertility by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a nutritious diet, and reducing your stress levels. The timing of intercourse greatly impacts your chances of getting pregnant. Having sex every two to three days leading up to ovulation is often recommended.
How long does it take after intercourse to get pregnant?
It takes the sperm up to six days after sex to reach and fertilize the egg. After that, the zygote travels through the fallopian tube and implants in the uterine lining between 6 and 10 days after fertilization.
Having accurate information is essential to make your fertility and pregnancy journey easier. It's a good idea to educate yourself and seek out support to get factual advice while you are trying to conceive. Once you understand more about how fertility and conception work, you can enjoy the journey and look forward to building your family with optimism and excitement.