On the contrary , douching can work against a woman in her quest for a pregnancy , as douching alters the normal microorganism make-up of the vagina and can lead to frequent infections .
Myth 13 : Briefs or boxers for men ? No significant difference in sperm quality in relation to types of underwear used by men has been found . However , prolonged exposure in saunas or hot tubs can impact sperm quality negatively as they can raise scrotal temperature , which can potentially affect sperm production .
Myth 14 : Sperm quality remains the same at any age . In men , sperm starts to decline in quality especially after the midforties . This decline in sperm quality though , is not as apparent as seen with women ’ s eggs . Decline in sperm quality might affect the ability to conceive , and it is important for men to be aware of the natural decline in their fertility as they age .
Myth 15 : Men should save up their sperm for prolonged periods until ovulation day . The quality of sperm that ’ s stored for prolonged periods will deteriorate . A better option would be to have regular intercourse , which also increases chances of conception .
Myth 16 : IVF is always successful . While IVF is a highly effective treatment option , there is no guarantee of success . The success rate of IVF depends on many factors , including the age of the woman , the cause of infertility , and the overall health of both partners . In some cases , multiple IVF cycles may be necessary to achieve a successful pregnancy . Couples must have realistic expectations regarding the likelihood of IVF working for them . This in fact , goes for all the fertility treatment modalities that are available to them . One golden rule though , is that , the younger the female partner , the higher the likelihood of successful fertility treatment .
Myth 17 : IVF reduces ovarian reserve . Every menstrual cycle , a pool of follicles are selected , however , only 1 becomes the dominant follicle and ovulates . The rest will undergo atresia and degenerate . IVF aims to collect these group of follicles that have been selected for that particular month , which would otherwise , in a natural cycle , all have undergone atresia anyway .
Myth 18 : Certain foods can boost fertility . While it is true that a healthy and balanced diet can improve overall health and increase the chances of conception , there aren ’ t specific types of food that have been proven to increase fertility more than others . It is therefore important to focus on eating a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients , such as fruits , vegetables , whole grains , and lean proteins , rather than relying on any one specific type of food to boost fertility .
Myth 19 : Consuming any caffeine at all can reduce fertility . Excessive caffeine consumption might reduce fertility , however , moderate caffeine intake has not been shown to have a significant impact on fertility . So , go ahead , enjoy your daily consumption of 2-3 cups of caffeinated beverages .
Myth 20 : Women can freeze their eggs at any age , for use later . Because the quality and quantity of a woman ’ s eggs declines as she ages , the chance of success with egg freezing decreases as a woman approaches her 40s . Whilst egg freezing is still a valuable option , it is important to understand the limitations brought on by age .
Myth 21 : Egg freezing guarantees a pregnancy . Egg freezing is a good option for women who might want to have a child at a later age and who are worried about the declining quality of their eggs , as well as the waning number of eggs as they age . However , this does not offer an absolute guarantee of a future pregnancy . Egg freezing does though , offer them the best opportunity to have their own biological children with their own eggs , instead of only resorting to donor eggs at an older age .
Myth 22 : All fertility clinics are the same . Each fertility clinic has its own unique approach , laboratory technology and success rates . It is important to research and compare different clinics to find the best fit for your specific needs and goals .
Myth 23 : Fertility clinics only offer IVF . Most clinics offer a full range of fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination ( IUI ), ovulation induction , egg freezing and sperm freezing . It is advisable to consult a qualified Fertility Specialist who can provide accurate information and guidance on the best treatment options for each couple ’ s individual needs and circumstances , as well as , their estimated success rates .
Myth 24 : Fertility treatment increases the risk of cancer . There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that fertility treatment increases the risk of cancer . Many studies have found no significant link between fertility treatment and cancer .
Myth 25 : Bed rest is necessary after an embryo transfer . Again , there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that bed rest is necessary or even beneficial after an embryo transfer . On the contrary , light physical activity is recommended .
Myth 26 : Staying at home is best after an embryo transfer . While it is important to avoid physically strenuous activities and minimize stress , it is not necessary to stay at home after an embryo transfer . Normal daily activities and work can generally be resumed safely after an embryo transfer .
Myth 27 : A couple who has had children can ’ t possibly have problems having another child . Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive a second or subsequent child . This condition has been shown to affect as many as 1 in 10 couples . Both , the man and woman should be evaluated and treated if necessary , to determine the cause of their secondary infertility .
In conclusion , there are many myths surrounding infertility and fertility treatment which can be misleading . It is important to seek accurate information from qualified Fertility Specialists and debunk myths in order to be able to make informed decisions regarding one ’ s own reproductive health and start working towards achieving the goal of starting a family .
At Sunfert International Fertility Centre , apart from dispelling myths , we offer fertility services ranging from consultation and basic assessment , to advanced fertility treatment , as well as fertility preservation for men and women . Call us at + 603 7622 8688 or visit www . sunfert . com to find out more .
Dr Sumithra Devi Valiapan Fertility Consultant , Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Sunfert International Fertility Centre
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 1 | 2023
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