In this article:
Myth #1:You must orgasm in order to conceive:
Orgasming is usually beneficial, but it is not necessary for women to conceive. It does, however, help the uterus contract, which allows sperm to travel more quickly to the fallopian tubes. Even if this does not happen, your baby-making efforts will not be in vain.Orgasms may facilitate the migration of sperm past the cervix and into the uterus, thus increasing the odds of pregnancy. Furthermore, sexual pleasure and emotional connection may improve the entire experience of attempting to conceive, but they are not biologically required for fertilisation to occur. Of course, if you're trying to conceive via intercourse, your male partner must have an orgasm, since this is what produces sperm.
Myth #2: Swallowing semen increases fertility:
You have to appreciate the inventiveness of whoever originated this rumour. But, come on. This myth has been going on for a while, but it's absolutely false. The proteins and different substances in semen have nothing to do with fertility and won't improve fertility at all.Myth #3: Breastfeeding equals birth control:
This one is as ancient as the hills. Breastfeeding may surely keep you period-free for longer, inhibiting ovulation and making you less fertile. However, specialists warn that depending only on nursing for birth prevention is ineffective.Experts say that breastfeeding may reduce your fertility if your menstruation has not yet returned and your child only breastfeeds on demand, eating no more than four hours apart during the day and six hours apart at night. This is most popular and effective in the first six months after giving birth, although it is less dependable than other methods of contraception.
Myth #4: Lifting your legs in the air for 20 minutes after having sex will make you pregnant:
This may seem like a fine concept in principle. The theory is that if you tilt your pelvis, the sperm will take a more direct path. All it's likely to accomplish, however, is to leave your legs numb from all the blood flowing away from your feet.The position of your legs or any other part of your body after intercourse has no effect on your chances of becoming pregnant.
Myth #5: Drinking alcohol can hurt your fertility:
Well, this one is based on some reality. While you shouldn't feel bad about having a glass or two of wine while trying to conceive, research suggests that drinking too much may put your body through the wringer, reducing your fertility. While it's untrue to state that consuming alcohol will always reduce your fertility, abusing alcohol may have a harmful effect on it.Myth #6: Being missionary-style is the only way to conceive:
Just because you're trying to conceive doesn't mean you can't experiment with sex. The reality is that, at the end of the day, it makes little difference in whatever position you do it. So do whatever it is that makes you happy. The position itself doesn't significantly impact the chances of pregnancy.Myth #7: Eating yams when trying to conceive will result in twins:
Yams originally gained a reputation as a twin maker when experts began investigating why the African town of Igbo-Ora had one of the highest rates of twin births in the world. Apparently, the residents of Igbo-Ora are enthusiastic about Yams. One study related yams to fertility, although it was the product of a Yale student's research and has yet to be formally confirmed. In other words: the verdict is still out on this one! Scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.Myth #8: Cough syrup can help you conceive:
This little myth has been perpetuated since at least the 1980s, and we'd like to put a stop to it right now. But, given that no studies have proved this to be true (and since consuming cough syrup may also mean you're ingesting other harmful substances to your fertility), we recommend the next time you hear this bizarre bit of advice, simply laugh it off.Some individuals think that cough syrups, especially those that include guaifenesin, may thin cervical mucus and increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant. However, there is insufficient scientific data to support this assertion. Additionally, certain cough syrups may include pseudoephedrine, which may induce hypertension, so please avoid taking cough syrup in excessive quantities for this reason.
Myth #9: Taking the pill for too long may delay pregnancy:
This isn't true. In reality, data indicates that many individuals get pregnant within a few months after discontinuing the pill.Myth #10: If you adopt a baby, you will get pregnant:
This is a somewhat outrageous assertion, yet for some reason, it has spread like wildfire. That is not to say it cannot happen, but in the grand scheme of things, experts believe this is a coincidence.At the end of the day, trying to conceive is a personal adventure, therefore, it's advisable to arrange a thorough consultation with a professional about your specific odds and possible risk factors.
Medically approved by Dr. Avir Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIIMS (Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College & Hospital).
FAQs on Crazy Fertility Myths—Debunked:
- Does alcohol consumption affect fertility?
Moderate alcohol intake is normally okay, but excessive drinking might impair fertility. It's recommended to reduce your consumption when attempting to conceive.
- Can position during intercourse affect conception?
The posture during intercourse has no substantial effect on the probability of conception. Concentrate on what is relaxing and pleasurable for you and your companion.