One of the biggest challenges I see in my clinic is that so many women (and men) come in carrying fertility myths they’ve read online or heard from well-meaning friends. Unfortunately, these misconceptions often add unnecessary fear, guilt, and stress to an already emotional journey.
It’s time to set the record straight. Below, I’ve outlined the most common fertility myths I hear—and the truth that every hopeful parent deserves to know.
Myth #1: Fertility Is Only a Woman’s Issue
Truth: Male fertility matters just as much as female fertility. In fact, male factors contribute to up to 50% of infertility cases. Sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity are all impacted by lifestyle, diet, toxins, and age. (I cover sperm health extensively in my book Yes, You Can Get Pregnant.)
Myth #2: You Can Get Pregnant Anytime During Your Cycle
Truth: You only have a fertile window of about six days per cycle. Your best chance of conceiving is the two to three days leading up to ovulation. (This is why ovulation tracking is such a powerful fertility tool!)
Myth #3: Birth Control Damages Fertility Long-Term
Truth: Birth control doesn’t “ruin” fertility. It may take a few cycles for your hormones to re-regulate, but most women go on to conceive within a year of stopping.
Myth #4: Stress Alone Causes Infertility
Truth: Stress is rarely the only cause of infertility, but high stress can disrupt ovulation, progesterone production, and hormone balance. This is why I recommend mind-body practices like meditation, walking, and yoga—to help your body feel safe and receptive.
Myth #5: Age Doesn’t Affect Male Fertility
Truth: While men can produce sperm for life, sperm quality declines with age. DNA fragmentation, motility issues, and genetic risks increase as men get older.
Myth #6: Certain Sex Positions Increase Your Chances
Truth: There’s no scientific evidence that specific sex positions improve conception. Timing matters far more—sex during your fertile window is what increases your chances.
Myth #7: If You’re Healthy, You Won’t Have Fertility Issues
Truth: Even women who appear perfectly healthy may struggle due to conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid imbalance, or unexplained infertility. Fertility is multifactorial and far more complex than diet and exercise alone.
Myth #8: IVF Guarantees Pregnancy
Truth: IVF is a remarkable tool, but it is not a guarantee. Success depends on egg quality, sperm health, age, and uterine environment. (In my book The Egg Quality Diet, I outline exactly how nutrition and lifestyle can improve IVF outcomes by supporting egg and sperm health.)
Myth #9: If You’ve Had a Child Before, You Won’t Struggle Again
Truth: Secondary infertility is very real. Age, health changes, and lifestyle shifts can make it harder to conceive the second (or third) time around.
Myth #10: Natural Remedies Always Work
Truth: Supplements like CoQ10, omega-3s, and folate can be incredibly supportive—but they’re not magic bullets. Fertility is best supported through a holistic, individualized approach that combines nutrition, lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, and, when necessary, medical treatments.
My Final Thoughts
Fertility is complex, nuanced, and deeply personal. By letting go of myths and embracing evidence-based truth, you can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed on your path to conception.
If you want to go deeper, I share both the science and the soul of fertility in my resources:
- 📖 Yes, You Can Get Pregnant – my complete guide to preparing your mind, body, and spirit for conception
- 📖 The Egg Quality Diet – my 100-day step-by-step fertility nutrition plan
- 🎥 My YouTube Channel – weekly fertility support videos
- 🌿 Fertility Coaching – personalized guidance for your unique journey
Remember: knowledge is power. The more you understand the truth about fertility, the more confident, hopeful, and resilient you’ll feel along the way.With love,
Aimee