I see so much of this come up online and thought it would be a good idea to debunk certain fertility myths that are taking place in the world of social media.
I feel like it is also a good reminder to get your information from trustworthy sources (like me 😊) when you need answers. Especially when it comes to fertility where truly each journey is unique.
So let’s go through my top 10 ‘FERTILITY FACT OR FICTION’ trivia.
Fertility is more the woman’s responsibility.
FICTION – Male factor sperm quality issues account for 30% of infertility cases.
Men stay fertile into old age.
FICTION – Sperm quality declines with age, and the chance of DNA damage is higher as men get older.
3 Brazil nuts per day provides the daily nutrients needed for healthy thyroid function.
FACT – If you eat 3 Brazil nuts every day, you are getting the daily recommended amount of selenium important for not only thyroid but also fertility support.
Conception is only possible about 60 days per year.
FACT – Your fertile window is between 4-5 days leading up to ovulation and the day ovulation occurs.
A low BMI does not have an impact on fertility.
FICTION – Being underweight can have just as much of an impact on fertility as being overweight.
The body does not give any signs of ovulation.
FICTION – Here are five signs to look out for when you are ovulating:
Egg white-like discharge
Bloating
Cramping
Mild spotting
Higher sex drive
Ovulation happens on the same day every month.
FICTION – The day of ovulation can vary month to month, which is why it is important to track your fertile window and know your body’s signs of ovulation.
When timing ovulation, you only need to have intercourse on the day you are ovulating.
FICTION – Don’t only have sex on ovulation day! Time intercourse 2-3 days leading up to and including ovulation day because sperm stays active/alive for up to 5 days. It’s ideal if the sperm is already present when the egg is released.
All lubricants safe when trying to conceive.
FICTION – It is important to make sure you are using non-spermicidal lubricants that won’t damage sperm or reduce mobility. My top choices are:
Pre-Seed
Conceive Plus
Biogenesis by Good Clean Love
A lower ovarian reserve (AMH) means you have a lower chance of getting pregnant.
FICTION – This is a common myth, so I saved the best for last to debunk!
A lower-than-average ovarian reserve for your age does NOT mean you have a lower chance of conceiving month to month. As long as you are ovulating (releasing an egg) every month, then you have a chance of getting pregnant.
A lower reserve also does not mean lower egg quality. We currently have no qualitative way of measuring egg quality. The only time AMH becomes an important topic is to understand your timeline for family planning. If you have a lower reserve, it just means you may need to adjust your timeline depending on how big you envision your family.
It is best to consult with a healthcare provider or fertility doctor to better understand your ovarian reserve and family-building plans.
Navigating fertility can feel overwhelming, especially with so much misinformation circulating online. I hope this Fertility Fact or Fiction breakdown has helped clear up some common myths and provided you with evidence-based insights to support your journey.
Fertility is deeply personal, and no two journeys are alike. That’s why getting the right information—and support—can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting to think about conception, have been trying for a while, or want to better understand your reproductive health, having a knowledgeable professional by your side can help you feel confident and empowered.
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If you have questions about your fertility, hormone health, or want personalized guidance, I’d love to help. I offer virtual consultations as well as in-person appointments in Toronto and Aurora. Together, we can create a tailored plan to support your fertility and overall well-being.
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