Understanding Infertility: Separating the Myths From the Facts

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Myth: Infertility is a female problem.

Fact: Women and men bear nearly equal responsibility when it comes to infertility. Infertility is a female problem in 40% of cases, a male problem in 40% of cases, and a combined problem of the couple or unexplained in 20% of cases. That is why we stress that it is important for both members of the couple to undergo medical evaluation and, as necessary, treatment.

Myth: Everyone else gets pregnant easily.

Fact: A normally fertile couple has only about a 25% chance of conceiving each month. More than 6 million people of childbearing age in the U.S. experience infertility every year, and 1 million seek treatment.

Myth: Relax, and you'll get pregnant.

Fact: Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. Although stress can sometimes affect hormone levels and ovulation, emotions are not keeping you from getting pregnant. The stress and intense emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not usually its cause.

Myth: Be patient; you'll get pregnant with time.

Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that usually requires treatment. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Those who do not seek help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of only about 5%, which means couples have a 10 times greater chance of conceiving if they get medical help for their infertility problem.

If you are concerned for any reason about your ability to conceive, make an appointment with a medical doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible -- especially if you, as a woman:

• Are over the age of 35
• Have irregular cycles
• Experience painful menstrual periods
• Have suffered several pregnancy losses
• Have used an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Have had a pelvic infection or abdominal surgery

If you are a man or a woman and have had exposure through your mother's pregnancy to the synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES) or, if you are a man and have had a testicular injury or frequent genitourinary infections, see a doctor for evaluation.

Myth: Just adopt a baby and you'll get pregnant.

Fact: Unfortunately, this persistent myth is one of the most painful for individuals and couples to hear, because it suggests that adoption is a treatment for infertility, not the happy resolution to infertility that it is for millions of families every year. More important, this statement simply is not true: Studies reveal that pregnancy rates for couples after adopting are the same as those for couples who do not adopt.

Myth: You're probably doing "it" wrong.

Fact: Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder. On the other hand, the timing of sexual intercourse is crucial to the conception process.