Fertility myths we hear all the time – and what’s actually true

Fertility myths & what’s actually true | Care Fertility

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If you’ve ever searched fertility advice online, chances are you’ve come away with more questions than answers. Fertility is one of those topics where myths spread easily, often passed down with good intentions but very little science behind them.

In clinic, we hear the same misconceptions again and again. Some are reassuring on the surface, others quietly worrying, but many miss the mark. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common fertility myths we hear, and what’s actually true.

Myth: having endometriosis means you can’t get pregnant

Endometriosis is often spoken about in absolutes, which can be frightening if you’ve just been diagnosed. The reality is more nuanced.

The truth: many people with endometriosis do conceive, either naturally or with support. Endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant for some, depending on its severity and how it affects the pelvis, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. But it does not automatically mean pregnancy isn’t possible.

We see plenty of patients with endometriosis go on to have successful pregnancies. The key is understanding how it’s affecting you as an individual and planning care around that.

Myth: you can ‘save up’ sperm by not ejaculating

This one comes up a lot, especially before fertility tests or IVF.

The truth: longer abstinence doesn’t usually mean better sperm. In fact, sperm quality can dip if sperm is stored for too long in the body. That’s why we often recommend regular ejaculation, with a short abstinence period of one to two days before providing a sample.

Myth: PCOS always leads to infertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a reputation that can feel overwhelming when you first hear the diagnosis.

The truth: PCOS is common, and many people with PCOS conceive. It can affect ovulation, which may make cycles irregular, but that doesn’t mean pregnancy won’t happen. There are well-established treatments that help support ovulation and fertility where needed.

Myth: being over 40 means IVF won’t work

Age is one of the most talked-about fertility factors, and understandably so.

The truth: fertility does decline with age, particularly egg quality, but IVF can still be an option over 40. Success rates are lower on average than for younger patients but lower doesn’t mean zero.

What matters most is having clear, honest information about your individual fertility and realistic expectations about outcomes. For some, IVF with their own eggs is appropriate. For others, different options may offer a better chance. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Myth: a miscarriage means something is ‘wrong’ with your fertility

After a miscarriage, many people worry it’s a sign they won’t be able to conceive again.

The truth: miscarriage is sadly common and often happens because of chromosomal changes that occur by chance. For most people, a single miscarriage does not reduce future fertility.

While recurrent miscarriage may need further investigation, one loss on its own doesn’t usually change your overall chances of having a baby.

Myth: a regular period always means you’re fertile

Periods are often used as a shorthand for fertility, but they don’t tell the whole story.

The truth: having a regular cycle suggests you’re likely ovulating, which is positive. But it doesn’t give information about egg quality, ovarian reserve, or whether the fallopian tubes are open.

Your menstrual cycle offers clues, and is a good starting point, but it doesn’t give you all of the answers.

Myth: fertility treatment is all about the woman

This myth still lingers, even though we know better.

The truth: male fertility plays a role in around half of all fertility challenges. Sperm health matters, and there are practical steps men can take to prepare for IVF, including lifestyle changes and managing health conditions.

Myth: diet alone can ‘fix’ fertility problems

Nutrition advice online can make it sound as though the right foods are a cure-all.

The truth: good nutrition supports overall health and can play a role in preparing for IVF, but it can’t override factors like age, egg quality, or underlying medical conditions.

Eating well is part of the picture, but fertility treatment is about combining lifestyle support with evidence-based medical care.

Myth: mild IVF is always better than standard IVF

Mild IVF is sometimes talked about as the ‘better’ or ‘safer’ option for everyone, which can be misleading.

The truth: mild IVF isn’t better than standard IVF by default. It’s simply different. Mild IVF uses lower doses of medication and aims to collect fewer eggs, which can be appropriate for some patients. However, for others, particularly those with a lower ovarian reserve or reduced egg quality, standard IVF may offer a better chance of success.

Success depends on individual factors such as age, ovarian reserve, previous treatment response, and overall fertility health. For some people, mild IVF can be a good fit. For others, it may reduce the chance of creating embryos.

The most effective approach is the one that’s tailored to you, based on your fertility test results and medical history, rather than choosing a treatment because it sounds ‘better’ on paper.

Myth: weight loss injections automatically improve fertility treatment outcomes

Weight loss medications are increasingly part of fertility conversations, and that can lead to assumptions.

The truth: weight loss injections may help some people manage their weight, which can support general health. However, they are not fertility treatments, and they don’t directly improve egg or sperm quality. In some cases, these medications need to be paused before starting fertility treatment, as their safety alongside IVF medication isn’t fully established.

If you’re using, or considering, weight loss injections, it’s important to talk this through with your clinic so your treatment can be planned safely and appropriately.

Sorting fact from fiction

Fertility myths often stick because they’re simple, but fertility rarely is. Bodies are complicated, journeys are personal, and advice that applies to one person might not apply to another.

If you’re unsure what to believe, that’s completely normal. Getting clear information about your own fertility can cut through the noise and help you make decisions with confidence.

We’re here to talk it through, whenever you’re ready.

Care Fertility

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