FERTILITY MYTHS

Like many complex medical conditions, infertility is often misunderstood by the public. And as with most health care issues, there are differing views among conventional caregivers and alternative practitioners. Here are a few of the popular misperceptions about infertility, as well as several misguided claims sometimes supported by the fertility industry.

It's A Woman's Problem
One of the most common myths is that infertility is a woman's problem. Approximately 40% of infertility cases due to female factors and another 40% to male factors; the remaining 20% either result from a combination of male and female factors or are unexplained. These numbers offer indisputable proof that both the man and the woman should be evaluated when infertility is suspected.

Low sperm count and poor motility are the most common causes of male infertility. These sperm problems are associated with a wide range of conditions, from congenital diseases to stress and depression to sexual dysfunction.

Abortion Equals Infertility
Another popular fallacy is that if a woman has had an abortion, she can never have a baby. In reality, an uncomplicated abortion poses no long-term health risks. If the procedure was done professionally within the first trimester, a woman will probably be able to conceive and carry a baby to term in the future. However, women who suffered complications or had the procedure performed later in the pregnancy may have scar tissue that could cause fertility complications. If these circumstances apply, consult your doctor.

Hormones Are Everything
Although most physicians describe infertility as a physical condition, there is growing evidence that emotional and psychological health play a key role in the ability to conceive. Until recently, most conventional practitioners agreed that stress was simply a by-product of infertility, not a cause.

Many medical doctors are starting to acknowledge the influence of emotional factors on fertility. Several studies have indicated that excessive focus on the goal of having a child may result in premature maturation of the eggs in the ovary and subsequent release of eggs that are not ready for fertilization.

Mind/body medicine offers a range of techniques that can help you to relax and revitalize. Such practices can prove invaluable not only in enhancing fertility but also in maintaining or restoring emotional balance.

Science Can Guarantee You A Baby
A lot of money is spent annually on attempts to overcome infertility. Yet despite all the advances, the majority of people who seek out these options do not end up pregnant. This does not mean that conventional approaches are ineffective, or that you should rule them out. But it does provide some perspective to balance the hype about miracle babies.

The Big Picture
Every couple's experience is somewhat different when it comes to infertility. Regardless of the particulars, it's essential that both partners be involved in the process. As we noted before , the cause may rest with the man, the woman, or both. Actively including both parties will keep one partner from feeling left out, or the other from feeling as though the entire burden of resolving the problem rests with him or her.

Remember that this journey isn't only about sperm counts and hormone levels. There is a profound emotional dimension to the experience, and often a spiritual one as well. Take the opportunity to learn as much as you can about yourself and your partner, and to build a closer relationship. If you do, your lives will be enriched regardless of the outcome.