Myth:

“Infertility is mainly a woman’s problem.”

Fact:

Infertility is a couple’s issue. Infertility is a medical problem with 35-45% of the cases attributed to the female, 15-35% to the male, 15-25% a combination of male and female, and 10-20% identified as unexplained.

Myth:

“Relax, stop worrying, take a vacation. You’ll get pregnant right away.”

Fact:

Infertility is caused by changes in the normal reproductive process. If you are concerned about your inability to conceive, you should consider getting a thorough evaluation. Feelings of stress associated with the pain of infertility are understandable.

Myth:

“If you adopt a baby, you’ll get pregnant.”

Fact:

This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First, it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not a happy and successful end in itself. Secondly, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate of achieving pregnancy for those couples who adopt a baby is the same as for those who do not.

Myth:

“We shouldn’t take a month off from infertility treatments for any reason. I know next month will be the one that works.”

Fact:

Taking breaks from treatment can be emotionally healthy and important to your relationship. Allowing yourselves time periodically to assess your treatment and parenting goals may offer rest and renewal for the next steps.

Myth:

“Maybe you two are doing something wrong.”

Fact:

Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder.

Myth:

“If I go through infertility treatment, I’ll end up with triplets or more.”

Fact:

Most cases of successful fertility treatments result in the birth of a single baby. The actual risk of having more than twins is less than 1 percent for ovulation induction and less than 5 percent for IVF. Chances can be minimized with careful monitoring of fertility medications. Infertility programs are transferring fewer embryos into the uterus to reduce the risk of multiples while maintaining excellent pregnancy rates.

Myth:

“Babies born from assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, have a higher risk of birth defects and health problems.”

Fact:

Pregnancy outcomes from ART have been well-studied, and the news is encouraging. These studies do not show an increase in genetic problems or congenital malformations with these procedures. A couple’s personal risk is related to their age at the time of conception and family history.

Myth:

“Perhaps this is God’s way of telling you that you aren’t meant to be parents.”

Fact:

You know what loving parents you would be, and it’s painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem. Infertility is not a punishment, it is a medical disease.