The subject of fertility is mostly followed by limited awareness and a lot of misconceptions and myths. When you type fertility on Google, you are bombarded with unlimited information, but how do you know what to believe and what not to believe?
It is always a better idea to speak to a doctor and get your questions answered by an expert. Therefore, we connected with Dr Chetna Jain, Director - Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon.
From believing that women cannot conceive post 35 years of age to not taking birth control pills because someone told you that they can lead to infertility, our expert debunked these myths so that you can make an informed decision.
Dr Jain said that it is true that fertility declines with age because the number of eggs and their quality declines as we age. However, it is a myth that a woman cannot conceive after 35.
She added that about 15% of women in urban areas give birth to their babies post-35 and the number is rising each decade. However, one should keep in mind that complications of hypertension, foetal growth restriction and risks of other anomalies increase after the age of 35. Therefore, women delaying their pregnancy should consult their doctor for options.
The expert added that most of the myths are around birth control pills. Debunking the myth, she said that oral contraceptive pills, condoms, and copper-T do not affect fertility.
In most cases, pills correct the hormonal imbalance among women struggling with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It can improve one’s conception rates.
She also added that hormonal injections and implants may have a lasting effect and can lead to a delay in the return of fertility after you stop using them. However, contraceptive pills are safe, but you should consult your doctor before using them.
This is a common misconception. “In a patriarchal society, like ours, the onus of fertility lies on women's shoulders so much so that on several occasions when a couple is counselling for fertility treatment, the man refuses to do a semen analysis”, Dr Jain added.
The doctor said that ejaculation does not mean a person is fertile. The semen analysis can reveal if it contains no sperms, fewer sperms, or low-quality sperms. A certified embryologist can conduct these tests and tell the couple about the motility of sperm.
Dr Jain said that irregularity in menstruation is considered when cycles are shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. She added that about 30% of women experience menstrual irregularities in their reproductive age. Out of this number, 70% can conceive naturally. The only thing is it gets difficult to predict ovulation dates among women who experience menstrual irregularities.
It can take for some women to conceive, but only 30% of such women would require medical intervention to conceive.
According to Dr Jain, pregnancy can occur in various sex positions, and no study proves that a certain position can improve fertility. She added that traditionally a female down position increases the chance of conceiving. One should also rest for 15 minutes after ejaculation. If the quality of eggs and sperm is good, a woman can conceive in any position.
Dr Jain said that smoking can affect fertility among men and women. It prevents ovulation making it difficult to conceive. The expert added that smokers have a high chance of developing high blood pressure and ectopic pregnancies.
Among men, smoking can reduce the quality of sperm, count, and morality ratio. It can lead to difficulty in conceiving and erectile issues.
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The expert said that it is a fact. Many nutrients are essential for a healthy reproductive system. Your diet should be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and antioxidants.
If you are trying to conceive, your diet should include leafy vegetables, whole grains, seasonal fruits, seeds, lean meat, and millets like bajra, jowar, etc.
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Dr Jain said that many studies have proved that stress can affect a person's fertility. It can make it longer for a couple to conceive. Stress can lead to sleep deprivation, weight gain, or weight loss. In many cases, people either do not participate in exercise or follow a poor diet.
All this can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle and ovulation pattern. It can also lead to issues like infrequent intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. “Stress creates a complex web, where fertility declines,” Dr Jain added. Lifestyle modifications, proper diet, and restful sleep can help men and women manage stress and yoga and meditation can help a lot.
Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such informative stories on pregnancy, conception, and fertility.
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