Busted! Conception Myths

When it comes to fertility or conception, myths abound. Some are harmless, but still others can actually work against you as you being your pregnancy journet. Be one step ahead and do your homework. Read on as we share some common misconceptions.

Myth: It's easy to get pregnant.
For many women this simply isn't true. However, friends and family place uneeded pressure on couples by asking things such as, "I wonder what could be wrong with you?" or "Are you not pregnant yet?"

Myth: If we have sex every day it will increase our chances of becoming pregnant.
A man has to be responsibile for this one. Unfortunately for them, it's simply not true. It's not how many times you have sex, it's just all in the timing. Timing sex during the most fertile days of your monthly cycle will increase your chances. Based on a normal 28-day cycle, the best time to try to conceive is during the 11 - 17th day. Since your partners sperm can live for 48 - 72 hours in in your reproductive tract, sex every other day during this time is key.

Myth: Your menstrual cycle begins when you start spotting.
You would think so huh? If so, you'd be wrong. If you're trying to time sex, it's crucial you determine the first day of your reproductive cycle. How? Start by counting the first day of normal bleeding or full flow, not when spotting begins. A day or two off can make a huge difference.

Myth: You have to have an orgasm to get pregnant.
No need to fake it ladies. Getting pregnant has nothing to do with our orgasms- or lack of. Conception occurs when a man's sperm fertilizes a woman's egg. Period.

Myth: I can wait until I'm 40 to conceive and still get pregnant.
When you decide to try to conceive is a personal choice. However, you should know that the odds are against you. Here are some quick fertility facts. Your partner’s fertility drops after age 35. By age thirty you have about a 20% chance per month of getting pregnant. By the time your forty, they drop to about 5% per month- ouch.
Regardless of age, becoming pregnant is not a guarantee. As you age, it may become more difficult to get pregnant. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after regular, unprotected intercourse after 12 months (or 6 months if a woman is over 35).

Myth: We've already had one baby, so the second time around will be a breeze.
It may be. But again, there’s no guarantee. Many women experience secondary infertility, or have a hard time conceiving after their first child. This is often caused by age-related factors.

Do away with the myths. Do your homework. If you are concerned about your ability to conceive, It's important that you talk to your OB/GYN or your Primary Care Physician.