Myth: Using lubricants while trying to conceive will not hinder with the process

Reality: Lubricants make intercourse more pleasurable; however, the standard lubricants are loaded with substances which can damage sperm cells and affects the mobility in vitro. This slows the process down. If you absolutely need to a lubricant, Pre Seed should be your pick as it causes the minimum damage to sperm movement. Doctors also suggest that instead of store-bought lubricants, it is better to opt for natural ones like olive oil, mustard oil and canola oil.

Myth: It is difficult to get pregnant if you took birth control pills in the past

Reality: This myth has often been propagated by gynecologists and doctors as well. After going off the pill, women believe it takes about six months to a year to conceive which is absolutely untrue. You can get pregnant right after you stop taking the pill. However, if you haven’t started getting regular period in over three months, you should go to doctor as your eggs may have been affected due to other reasons.

Myth: Certain sex positions increase the chances of conceiving

Reality: Having sex in certain coital positions do not increase your chances of getting pregnant. This myth arises from “in some positions, the penetration is deeper”. The former sentence might be true but lifting your legs up in the air or some other position suggested to you are not going to affect your chances of getting pregnant in any way. Hence, you can continue having intercourse in the positions you like and not force yourself to act as a gymnast just for the sake of getting pregnant.

Myth: Foods have no role in accelerating your pregnancy or increasing fertility. Always choose expensive vitamins over age-old, traditional methods.

Reality: If you go back to your roots, you will observe that during olden days, women followed the path of Ayurveda which is natural and effective in boosting fertility. To be able to conceive without hassles “artava dhatu” in your body needs to be activated. This can be done by avoiding spicy foods which affect the coolness of your body and eating foods like broccoli and herbs like Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and quinoa which help in regulating the hormonal balance. Ayurveda also recommends that you eat loads of fresh fruits and vegetables, right kind of dairy, healthy fats and citrus laden foods to get rid of hormonal and infertility issues.

Image credit: http://launcestonacupuncturist.com.au

As mentioned in this article, most of the myths have been propagated due to lack of correct and complete knowledge. Before believing something we hear from midwives and even doctors, it is better to confirm it through credible sources. If you follow a healthy lifestyle devoid of stress, fertility and hormonal imbalances shouldn’t be an issue for you.

We are not trying to over simplify issues of fertility neither be insensitive towards it. What is important is to be wary of the myths, and take an educated scientific approach towards treating infertility if it is something you are battling with.

Happy conceiving!