Review on myths about infertility-an attempt to clear the air

Abstract

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected sex, affects 48 million couples and 186 million individuals globally. There are several myths without factual basis regarding infertility, with the increase in prevalence of infertility in the world, the spread of such myths also increases. Such myths include concepts like infertility is a woman’s problem, it is a psychological or stress induced issue, health and lifestyle habits do not affect infertility. While others include, misconceptions about medications and treatment, some supernatural beliefs, frequency of sexual contact, sexual practices which do not have any positive impact on infertile couples. These are few among many other stories revolving around fecundity. Myths about reproductive health and chances of conception may directly or indirectly affect the emotional state of infertile couples or may give a false hope for them to get conceive faster and easier, which have no evidence. Some of the myths might not be harmful, or even do some good, but many of the prevailing myths put infertile couples, especially infertile women in an excruciating position leading to a great deal of mental distress. It is thus important to root out the myths about infertility and help the affected ones lead a less stressful life. This article is an attempt to bust some of the most common myths being spread and explains the actual facts that should be known to people of the reproductive age group.