Myths and facts about getting pregnant or do not be confused!
These days, women think they have plenty of time to have a child and there is no rush. Nevertheless, once they decide to work on having a baby with their partner they are capable of trying everything possible and impossible. Thus, they often believe half-truths and, in pursuit of their desired pregnancy, they will be blinded and neglect essential facts. We would like to show you some common myths and explain how it really is with the magical birth of a new life.
“My mom got pregnant when she was 40 years old, so I have time as well.”
These days, women think “30 is the new 20”; it is not true from the reproductive point of view though. The peek of fertility is around 28th year of life and it begins to decrease after 30. “When women reach 40th year of life, their fertility is around 5 %. There are other important factors of course, like healthy life style, if they smoke, how often consume alcohol etc. Health restrictions like endometriosis or syndrome of polycystic ovaries have also a great influence on fertility,” explains MUDr. Kateřina Veselá, PhD., the director of clinic reproductive medicine Repromeda. Therefore, it is certainly not good to evaluate your fertility according to your mother or sister that got pregnant later in life. If you are postponing motherhood, it is better to talk about it with your doctor and get to know about your real chances.
“Woman must have an orgasm during sex, otherwise will not get pregnant.”
Having an orgasm is a great thing for a woman of course, but it certainly does not influence the chances to get pregnant. Why do some people think so? This myth is based on the assumption that when woman has orgasm, contractions of the uterus occur and these contractions help to the sperm cells to reach the egg. However, sperm cells are able to move by themselves and are not dependent on these contractions, besides, they can survive without any help of the woman’s body, even several days after the intercourse.
“If I have sex daily, I will get pregnant faster.”
Of course, if the partners want, nothing prevents them in this frequency. More likely, the couple will be frustrated if the woman will not get pregnant right during the first month when trying so often. A lot more important is to have intercourse during the woman’s fertile days, that means three days before ovulation and one day after, at maximum. It is important to realize that it is not just about perfect timing but physiological factors have a great role here too.
“Alternative medicine also helps to get pregnant.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture or yoga help decrease stress and can be beneficial when trying to have a baby but cannot save the whole situation. The main benefit of alternative methods is helping balance the body which is ready to get pregnant. “The couples use these methods as a support or when having problems conceiving like repeated miscarriages, low level of uterine mucosa or problems with implantation of the embryo in case of assisted reproduction. If the couple has issues with getting pregnant, these methods complements methods of modern medicine in a great way,” clarifies MUDr. Kateřina Veselá, PhD. of Repromeda clinic. It is important to prepare that alternative methods require longer time and every cure should take 3-6 months.
“If woman puts her legs up after sex, she gets pregnant.”
When woman puts her legs up after sex, it should prevent unwanted leak of semen out of the vagina and help conceiving. Although it can sound as good idea, it is a myth. A cumulation of semen inside the woman’s body is not possible, so leakage is absolutely normal and physiological. In addition, it does not affect the chances of getting pregnant because 1 ml of semen of a healthy man contains up to 50 million sperm cells. “If the couple cannot get pregnant, it is nonsense to think it is a problem of sex position, but it is good to visit a doctor. Women up to 33 years should visit a clinic after one year of unsuccessful trying, after the 33rd year it is recommended to visit a clinic after 6 months of trying,” adds MUDr. Kateřina Veselá, PhD. Only a specialist can reveal, where the problem really is.
