Myths and Facts

Myth: The cycle after a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is more fertile because it opens up your tubes.
Fact: There is currently no scientific data to back this up. While some women may experience slight tubal unblocking, there is no evidence of being more fertile. A recent study showed that oil-based HSGs had a higher conception rate than water-based HSGs – however, this was within a six month period and not the month directly after.[1]

Myth: Pollution and toxins are a major cause of infertility.
Fact: One study found that exposure to pollution is not enough to affect the general population of infertile women, and that pollution with weak environmental estrogens “cannot possibly be responsible” for male infertility. However, a more recent study suggests that air pollution can cause defects during sperm production that can lead to infertility in exposed populations.[2] This is still heavily debated to this day.

Myth: You’re not getting pregnant because you’re stressed. Just relax!
Fact: This is one of the most common (and infuriating) myths surrounding infertility. There is currently no evidence or scientific proof that can support this claim. According to Shady Grove Fertility Clinic, stress levels of those with infertility is similar to those with other chronic illnesses.[3] While stress can delay ovulation and periods, it does not cause infertility. One study found that infertility is a “psychosomatic” (mind and body) disease, not just a psychological (mind only) disease.[4]

Myth: Eating pineapple core after ovulation helps an embryo implant.
Fact: Pineapple core contains bromelain – a protein that is said to help inflammation and pain and also encourage implantation of embryos. However, this is not true according to one doctor.[5] There is just no evidence, other an anecdotal, to support this claim.[6]

Myth: Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs may be able to help infertile people.
Fact: While it is not an end-all solution, acupuncture can help in some cases. Many women feel it can help and there is not evidence to suggest that it will hurt anything.[7] Acupuncture can help by increasing blood flow, regulating hormones, helping overall well-being, and combating side effects of PCOS.[8] However, with herbs and in vitro fertilization (IVF), you must be careful. Some components may interfere with the IVF drugs and medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking herbs before starting IVF.

Myth: Aspirin may help you get pregnant.
Fact: A recent study saw an increase of 17% after taking 81mg of aspirin daily.[9] This is thought to be due to reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow to the pelvis, and thickening the uterine walls. While this is a good start, more studies are needed to back up this claim to make it complete fact.

Myth: Just adopt! You’ll conceive in no time.
Fact: Besides being completely dismissive, painful and plain untrue, the rate for pregnancy after adoption is the same as non-adopting couples.[10]

[1] Dreyer, Kim, Joukje van Rijswijk, Velja Mijatovic, Mariëtte Goddijn, Harold R. Verhoeve, Ilse A.J. van Rooij, Annemieke Hoek, et al. 2017. “Oil-Based or Water-Based Contrast for Hysterosalpingography in Infertile Women.” New England Journal of Medicine 376 (21). Massachusetts Medical Society: 2043–52. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1612337.

[2] Carré, Julie, Nicolas Gatimel, Jessika Moreau, Jean Parinaud, and Roger Léandri. 2017. “Does Air Pollution Play a Role in Infertility?: A Systematic Review.” Environmental Health : A Global Access Science Source 16 (1). BioMed Central: 82. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-017-0291-8.

[3] “Common Myths About Stress and Infertility.” 2016. Shady Grove Fertility Blog. 2016. https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/blog/your-care-team/common-myths-about-stress-and-infertility/.

[4] Wischmann, Tewes H. 2003. “Psychogenic Infertility--Myths and Facts.” Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 20 (12). Springer: 485–94. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JARG.0000013648.74404.9D.

[5] Celletti, Erin. 2017. “Common Fertility Myths Busted by an Ob-Gyn.” Brides. 2017. https://www.brides.com/story/common-fertility-myths-busted-by-an-obgyn.

[6] Rope, Kate. n.d. “9 Myths and Facts About Boosting IVF.” Parents Magazine. Accessed April 30, 2018. https://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/infertility/treatments/in-vitro-fertilization-infertility-myths-facts/.

[7] Carpenter, Louise. 2009. “The Baby Maker.” The Guardian. 2009. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/25/infertility-treatment-babies-doctor-zhai.

[8] Harris, Siobhan. n.d. “Chinese Fertility Treatment.” WebMD Boots. Accessed April 30, 2018. https://www.webmd.boots.com/fertility/features/age-old-infertility-treatment.

[9] Whiteman, Honor. 2015. “Daily Aspirin Could Increase Chance of Pregnancy.” Medical News Today. 2015. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301350.php.

[10] “Family And Friends: Myths of Infertility.” n.d. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Accessed April 30, 2018. http://familybuilding.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lrn_ffaf_moi.