The Pentagon will remove up to 1,000 transgender troops, giving others 30 days to self-identify
A study of nearly 500 men found that the impact underwear choice has on semen isn’t enough to affect their fertility.
A total myth! For some women, fertility returns as soon as they stop using the pill. However, for others, it may take a month or so to resume ovulation, unless there are some other issues.
While breastfeeding can keep women period-free for longer, which keeps them less fertile, they're still able to get pregnant. Therefore, it's not a reliable birth control method.
A study in the '80s identified one of the ingredients in cough syrup, guaifenesin, for its ability to thin cervical mucus. This was considered a potential fertility booster for its ability to thin cervical mucus, thereby allowing easier travel for sperm to get to the eggs. But considering that no studies have proven this to be true, stick to cough syrup only if you're sick!
Actually, extra weight can cause hormonal shifts in the body, which can affect ovulation and semen production. Losing as little as 5-10% of body weight can boost fertility in both men and women.
Don’t worry about doing a shoulder-stand, raising your legs against a wall, or hanging upside down—no research has ever found a link between that and conception.
Too much alcohol for men doesn't only bring down performance, but it can also lower testosterone, impairing sperm production.
This fertility myth stems from a false belief that a man somehow "saves up" more sperm overnight when he’s asleep. Ultimately, the important thing is to have sex during a woman's fertile window, no matter what the time is.
A myth that has existed for centuries, regular self-stimulation actually helps a man’s reproductive system flow and function. It also cleans out older sperm and replaces it with newer cells.
While staying relaxed and positive can provide some health boosts, infertility is a medical condition with distinct causes. Therefore, it's best to always speak to a medical professional.
The truth is that while sperm can hang out and wait for their date for three days or more, an egg has only a 12- to 24-hour shelf life.
While men can produce viable sperm and father babies late in life, older men are still more likely to have fertility issues due to dipping testosterone levels. The decrease in quality and quantity of sperm also play a role.
This myth stems from stories about couples who couldn’t conceive, so they adopted, and suddenly found themselves pregnant. However, there's no evidence that adoption provides a fertility boost to parents.
Besides the well-known negative impact of smoking, it results in a faster decline of ovarian reserve for women. It also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, and lowers the chance of a successful outcome with fertility treatments.
The truth is that pretty much any position can get you pregnant, so you might as well pick a position you both enjoy!
While the connection between stress and conception is still being researched, there’s some evidence that highly stressed women may have more trouble getting pregnant.
Again, a woman can only conceive during five and six days around ovulation, known as the fertile window.
Totally false! The only way that sperm assists with fertility is when it’s in the woman's vaginal canal or fallopian tubes. Basically, on a path to find the egg.
Conception doesn’t typically happen overnight. Egg and sperm may meet up on your first try, but it can take the average couple, who don’t have any fertility issues, up to 12 months before getting pregnant.
No, it's still possible to get pregnant. One of the ways the pill works is to prevent you from ovulating. If you forget to take any of the pills, its effectiveness as a contraceptive will be reduced.
Sources: (CNN) (Today's Parent) (Clearblue)
See also: The biggest women’s health myths
A myth! Because of the way a woman’s cycle fluctuates, the day ovulation starts can change on a monthly basis. This means you can’t count on all the sperm from period sex being dead and gone by the time you ovulate next.
This isn't a military mission! Ovulation occurs roughly 14 days before the start of a woman's next period. To make the most of this fertile window, couples can have sex every two or three days, starting 18 days before the next period.
A total myth! Secondary infertility does exist. That's when a couple has trouble conceiving after they’ve already had one or more babies. And it's just as common as primary infertility.
This fertility myth started when researchers discovered that the rate of twins was four times higher in West Africa than in the rest of the world. They discovered that the population consumed mostly cassava plants, which are a type of yam. However, they never conclusively linked a diet high in yams to having twins.
This myth may have appeared because society puts a lot of pressure on men about the size of their male member. However, as long as they're healthy, and able to perform, size doesn’t matter.
Orgasms are associated with the release of oxytocin, which can cause minor uterine contractions that may assist in pulling sperm towards an egg. However, orgasms don’t actually cause the release of any eggs.
Not entirely true! At birth, a woman has seven million eggs, which slims down to 400,000 during puberty. During a woman’s lifetime, approximately 400 to 500 eggs will be released. A woman’s egg supply takes a rapid decline in her late twenties, and then most notably after the age of 35.
When it comes to baby-related old wives’ tales, you've probably heard some real doozies. Especially if you and your partner are trying to get pregnant, chances are someone, your mother or the internet perhaps, shared some questionable fertility theories meant to help. And while some might sound real, many are completely insane.
Does being on the pill for too long delay pregnancy? Do men's briefs really interfere with their sperm count? For these and more fertility myths, simply click through.
Myth-busting fertility: Distinguishing fact from fiction
Here’s the scoop on the biggest myths related to baby-making
HEALTH Debunked
When it comes to baby-related old wives’ tales, you've probably heard some real doozies. Especially if you and your partner are trying to get pregnant, chances are someone, your mother or the internet perhaps, shared some questionable fertility theories meant to help. And while some might sound real, many are completely insane.
Does being on the pill for too long delay pregnancy? Do men's briefs really interfere with their sperm count? For these and more fertility myths, simply click through.