AGE DOES NOT AFFECT FERTILITY IF YOU ARE HEALTHY
Myth: Many folks think that age doesn’t affect fertility, especially if you’re a healthy woman. In addition, they think that waiting to start a family or to get pregnant again is not a problem because there are a number of assisted reproduction technologies available.
Fact: While some specifically unhealthy habits, such as smoking, may speed up the effect of age on fertility, living a healthy lifestyle will not stop your biological clock from ticking. Fertility begins to decline in a woman starting at age 27. Around the age of 35, that decline begins to speed up. After 40, a woman’s fertility declines even more sharply. The bottom line is that a healthy lifestyle does not stop the natural process of aging.
IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD IVF, THERE’S NO POINT IN SEEKING TREATMENT
Myth: There is no reason to seek fertility help if you can’t afford or don’t want to try IVF.
Fact: While IVF treatment gets a lot of press, it’s actually not the primary treatment used. IVF treatment is used less than 5% of the time, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Instead, in more than 80% of infertility cases, fertility drugs, corrective surgery, or other low-tech treatments are used. These treatments may be covered by health insurance; if they are not covered by insurance, they are usually more affordable than IVF treatment and certainly worth contemplating.
Even if you do need IVF treatment in the end, do not immediately presume that you can’t afford it. The good news is that insurance does cover IVF treatment in 15 states. In addition, some clinics offer payment plans or refund programs that can make treatment costs a little less difficult to manage.
BEING YOUNG MEANS YOU WON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT INFERTILITY UNTIL YOU GET OLDER
Myth: If you’re young, you won’t experience infertility problems.
Fact: Age is only one factor of many when it comes to infertility. It is true that as you age, your chances of facing infertility will grow. Even couples in their early 20s will have a 7% chance of dealing with infertility. Some possible reasons for infertility include:
- Irregular ovulation or anovulation caused by something other than age (for instance PCOS, premature ovarian failure, or some other underlying medical condition.)
- Endometriosis
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Irregular uterine shape
- Fibroids
- Male infertility caused by low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or problems with sperm shape.
IF A COUPLE CANNOT GET PREGNANT, IT IS TYPICALLY AN ISSUE WITH THE WOMAN
Myth: If a couple is unsuccessful in getting pregnant after trying for a period of time, it’s usually because the woman has fertility issues.
Fact: Infertility affects men and women almost equally. Statistics show that when couples face infertility, female infertility accounts for one-third of the problems and male infertility issues make up for another third. The remaining third will find problems with both male and female infertility, or will receive a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Therefore, it is critical that both partners are tested for potential infertility issues.
INFERTILITY CAN ALWAYS BE RESOLVED BY TREATMENT
Myth: While infertility may be a time-consuming and difficult experience, it is no big deal because it can always be resolved by treatment.
Fact: Fertility treatment success rates show that not every fertility patient will get a baby who is biologically connected to them in the end. The statistics are in your favor, however, with two-thirds of fertility patients eventually having a baby after treatment.
IF YOU JUST CALM DOWN AND STOP TRYING, YOU WILL GET PREGNANT
Myth: You just need to quit obsessing, relax, and stop trying for a while. Go on vacation and have some fun, and then you’ll get pregnant.
Fact: Infertility is not a psychological disorder and there is no “spontaneous cure.”
According to The National Infertility Association (RESOLVE), the “spontaneous cure” rate for infertility after one year is only about 5%. Infertility is a physical disease, not one that will be corrected on its own by taking a fun, stress-free vacation to Hawaii.
While stress itself does not cause infertility, it does cause tremendous stress for a couple. Research has shown that women going through the infertility experience feel the same intense mental stress and many of the same emotions as those who have cancer, HIV, or chronic pain.
Sometimes it is difficult to sort through well-intended information and advice to know just exactly what is fact and what is fiction (or an erroneous perception). If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have other questions, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Call our knowledgeable staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine today. Our highly trained infertility doctors will work with you to choose the appropriate fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.
For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need. Our goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.