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Editor’s Note: James Grifo, M.D., is the director of the division of reproductive endocrinology at the NYU School of Medicine and the chief executive physician of the Prelude Network.
There’s an abundance of fertility-related information out there on the internet, from Facebook posts to viral Tik Tok videos. But as a fertility doctor and the director of the division of reproductive endocrinology at the NYU School of Medicine, I can tell you that much of it is simply not true. Deciphering fact from fiction has never been harder, likely leaving anyone who’s planning on building or expanding their families confused.
In observance of National Infertility Awareness Week, let’s debunk some of those myths about fertility. Remember, though, that any questions you have about your reproductive health are best discussed with your health care professional, who can guide you with accurate information and empower you to make the best-informed decisions for yourself and your family.
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Myth: Birth Control Can Impair Fertility
Rumors suggesting birth control can damage fertility create needless fear and cause some people to avoid using the right form for them, be it pills, an intrauterine device (IUD), condoms or another form of contraception.
While it may take some time for a person’s menstrual cycle to return to normal after using hormonal birth control—including IUDs, the pill, a patch or an implant—there’s no evidence to suggest these contraceptives negatively affect fertility over the long term. Infertility is common, especially as people age, with about 13% of couples having trouble getting pregnant[1]. However, the presence of fertility difficulties after birth control use doesn’t mean birth control causes infertility.
One significant study in Contraception compared pregnancy rates following the use of various forms of contraceptives. Overall, the study found one-year pregnancy rates after ending use of oral contraceptives, contraceptive implants, monthly injections, copper IUDs and the LNG-IUS (a type of IUD) as “broadly similar to those reported following discontinuation of barrier methods or use of no contraceptive method.” The study also found no evidence of increased pregnancy complications or adverse fetal outcomes after stopping use of any of the reversible contraceptive methods reported[2].
Myth: Stress Causes Infertility and Can Impact Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Success
“Just relax and you’ll get pregnant” is quite possibly one of the most demeaning—and inaccurate—pieces of advice anyone trying to get pregnant can hear. And while the statement may come from a good place, it often leads to more stress.
Here’s what we know: Stress doesn’t cause infertility, but reducing it provides a better quality of life during times of intense personal challenge, including when a couple is trying to conceive.
Sometimes, infertility patients respond to the stress of being unable to conceive by aggressively pursuing treatments and procedures. Others may withdraw and isolate themselves from their family, friends and community. Both extremes can have a negative impact on the person trying to get pregnant. Stress can also interfere with making rational and well-planned decisions, so reducing it is important to enable patients to research, explore and consider all the options available with a clearer mindset. When you reduce stress, you can make better decisions about which treatment is right for you.
It’s also important not to distance yourself from friends and loved ones during this time. For many struggling with infertility, just having someone available to listen is often greatly appreciated. They can ask how you’re doing and may offer helpful ways to reduce stress and perhaps give you back some sense of control.
In relation to assisted reproductive technology outcomes, one prospective study suggests cautiously that physiological and psychological stress don’t negatively affect IVF outcomes[3].
Having less stress in your life while pursuing fertility treatment may not directly result in a pregnancy. However, developing better coping strategies to manage stress related to an infertility diagnosis and subsequent treatment can help you feel more in control and improve your overall well-being. Reduced stress is good for your general health, and while no one expects fertility patients to approach treatment stress-free, finding ways to minimize it can make the process more manageable.
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Myth: The COVID-19 Vaccine Impacts Fertility
It might feel like COVID-19 has been with us forever, but we’re still studying the virus and learning about the vaccines developed for it. In doing so, one robust study funded by the National Institutes of Health that observed more than 2,000 couples concluded that COVID-19 vaccination doesn’t affect chances of conception[4].
The study observed no differences in chances of conception when either the male or female partner was vaccinated compared to unvaccinated couples. However, couples in this study did have a slightly lower chance of conception if the male partner was infected with COVID-19 within 60 days of the female partner’s menstrual cycle, suggesting that the virus could reduce male fertility temporarily. While further research is warranted, results so far are promising.
Myth: Age Doesn’t Affect Male Fertility
Although a great deal of attention is paid to the “biological clock” and many believe age somehow only matters with female fertility, the fact is a male’s age is important, too. While men may not have a complete dropoff in fertility like women do, advanced paternal age is something couples should be aware of—both men and women must contend with their biological clocks.
Research suggests semen quantity peaks between the ages of 30 and 35, and overall semen quantity is lowest after age 55[5].
Age also affects the genetic quality of male sperm—one study in Human Reproduction found men who conceive later in life may have an increased risk of unsuccessful and abnormal pregnancies as a consequence of fertilization with damaged sperm[6]. Other studies found similar evidence, too.
Then there’s the question of the role male age plays in IVF treatment success. Early research indicates that IVF success rates could be negatively impacted by male age. However, further research suggests using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technology—which involves injecting a sperm cell directly into an egg—may help overcome age-related disadvantages. Researchers also found male age reduced the number of high-quality embryos but didn’t harm pregnancy rates or increase risk of preterm birth or pregnancy loss.
In terms of reproductive health, knowledge is most certainly power. The more you understand, the more empowered you will be to make decisions that will help you achieve your fertility goals.
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