It’s Time to Ditch These 5 Fertility Myths

Content medically reviewed by Amanda Erickson, APRN, CNP

Handstands after intercourse? Eating pineapple core? Fertility myths are often based on superstitions rather than scientific evidence or research. These myths can give false hope to people struggling to conceive and, in some cases, make it harder to become pregnant. These five myths are particularly popular and frequently discussed in conversations about conception.

Common Fertility Myths

Infertility is a challenging medical condition that affects about 11% of women and 9% of men. It’s defined as being unable to become pregnant after one year of having regular, unprotected intercourse, or after six months of trying if you’re 35 or older.

“Difficulty conceiving can take a toll on your mind and body, leading you to research infertility causes and solutions,” said OB/GYN and fertility specialist Amanda Erickson, APRN, CNP at Essentia Health. “What can add to the frustration is having to wade through all of the misinformation on fertility, including the many myths about fertility.”

Here are five myths you should know — and tips that can help increase fertility and the chances of becoming pregnant.

Myth 1: Infertility is the woman’s fault.

This myth likely stems from a time when there wasn’t much research on male infertility, so it was assumed that it was the woman’s fault.

Truth: Difficulty conceiving can stem from female infertility, male infertility, or sometimes from a combination of factors that affect both people. It's important to approach fertility as a joint concern and not blame one person. Trouble getting pregnant can sometimes be due to a male fertility issue, such as sperm quality, abnormal sperm production, or a blockage. In fact, of the 15% of couples who have trouble conceiving, about half struggle due to issues stemming from abnormalities with the male partner's reproductive system.

Myth 2: Lying down after sex helps you conceive.

This myth is rooted in the idea that sperm can travel faster and more efficiently to the ovaries if you’re lying on your back for 10–20 minutes after intercourse. Some myths even suggest a woman should do a handstand or turn their body upside down to increase the sperm’s chances of reaching the egg.

Truth: “No research suggests lying down after intercourse will help you become pregnant,” Erickson said. “Healthy sperm can reach a woman’s ovaries without this type of intervention.”

Myth 3: Sex every day increases the chances of conception.

A common myth is that having sex every day will increase the number of sperm that can fertilize an egg. The more, the better, is at the root of this myth.

Truth: While it's essential to have regular intercourse during your fertile window, daily sex is not always necessary. Sperm can live inside your body for several days, so timing intercourse to coincide with ovulation is more important than frequency. Having sex every other day may be just as effective.

Myth 4: Certain foods and supplements will guarantee pregnancy.

Numerous claims suggest that eating a specific food or taking a supplement will guarantee a pregnancy. Pineapple core is one food that’s gained popularity for increasing fertility. Proponents of this myth claim the bromelain in pineapple helps boost implantation, specifically after in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.

Truth: There’s no magic food or supplement that will guarantee pregnancy. A healthy diet rich in a variety of nutrients improves your overall health and can support your fertility. Certain nutrients, like folate or folic acid, are essential for pre-conception health and healthy pregnancies.

Generally, it's best to discuss supplementation with your doctor. Also, be wary of products claiming to boost fertility as they are often not scientifically proven and could even be harmful to your health.

Myth 5: You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding can indeed delay the return of menstruation and ovulation. While breastfeeding can suppress ovulation in some, it does not completely prevent someone from conceiving.

Truth: It’s possible to conceive while nursing. Ovulation needs to occur before your period returns. If you ovulate and conceive before your first period, you could get pregnant while still breastfeeding.

What Impacts Fertility: Tips to Conceive

“No single factor can improve your chances of becoming pregnant,” Erickson said. “Fertility is impacted by many factors – including your age, weight, health, and diet, just to name a few.”

These tips are proven and recommended by fertility specialists.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight or overweight can interfere with healthy hormone levels and have a negative impact on fertility. Strive for a healthy weight and talk to your doctor about what that looks like for you.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress may impact reproductive hormones and ovulation in women, as well as sperm production in men. Incorporate stress-reducing practices to support overall well-being and fertility.
• Limit alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to decreased fertility. When trying to conceive, limit heavy alcohol drinking to support your reproductive health.
• Quit smoking. Tobacco smoke can affect fertility, and both men and women should avoid smoking while trying to conceive. Get help with quitting smoking and create a smoke-free environment to improve the chances of conception.
• Track your menstrual cycle. Try using an app or ovulation predictor kit to track your menstrual cycle, which can help identify the days you are most fertile for optimal timing of intercourse and improve your chances of conception.
• Get your recommended checkups and screenings. Schedule routine checkups with your doctor to identify and address any underlying conditions that can impact fertility, such as endometriosis, primary ovary insufficiency, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

When to Talk With a Fertility Specialist

See a healthcare professional if you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (six months if you’re 35+) without having a successful pregnancy.

If you have certain conditions, you should talk to a healthcare professional sooner to get help with conceiving. Schedule a visit with your provider if you –

• Learn you have a health issue that can impact fertility, such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or endometriosis, which can block or scar your fallopian tubes
• Have a history of irregular menstrual cycles
• Have had more than one miscarriage
• Have undergone cancer treatment