Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood areas of reproductive health. World Infertility Awareness Month, observed each June, offers an opportunity to bring clarity, compassion, and science to a topic often clouded by stigma and outdated beliefs.
Despite medical advances, many hopeful parents still struggle with misinformation, fueled by social media myths, whispered advice, and cultural taboos. Add to that the emotional weight of trying to conceive, and it’s easy to see why fertility conversations can feel overwhelming.
At Cradlewise, we believe in supporting families at every step of their journey, from preconception through parenthood. That means helping you separate fact from fiction when it comes to fertility. In this guide, we’ll break down the science behind infertility, bust common myths with evidence, and explore the real solutions that modern medicine has to offer.
What is infertility, medically speaking?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For individuals over 35, this timeframe is reduced to six months, as fertility naturally declines with age. This definition is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
There are two main types of infertility:
- Primary infertility
When a person has never achieved a pregnancy.
- Secondary infertility
When a person is unable to conceive again after previously carrying a pregnancy to term.
Infertility can be caused by a range of factors, biological, hormonal, environmental, or lifestyle-related, and it affects all genders.
How common is it, really?
Infertility is more prevalent than many people realize. Globally, about 1 in 6 couples will experience infertility during their reproductive years, according to a 2023 report by the WHO. In the United States, roughly 19% of heterosexual women aged 15–49 with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying, as per data from the CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth.
Importantly, infertility is not just a “women’s issue.” Male factors contribute to approximately 40–50% of all infertility cases, often involving low sperm count, poor motility, or hormonal imbalances. In about 10–20% of cases, the cause remains unexplained even after thorough medical evaluation.
Busting common infertility myths with evidence
Myth #1: Infertility is mostly a woman’s problem
Fact: This is one of the most persistent misconceptions about infertility. In reality, male-factor infertility plays a role in nearly half of all cases. According to research published in Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, male factors are solely responsible in about 20–30% of cases and contribute to another 20–30% alongside female factors.
Common causes of male infertility include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, varicocele, hormonal imbalances, and genetic factors. Yet due to social stigma, male fertility is often overlooked in evaluations, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Myth #2: If you have regular periods, you’re definitely fertile
Fact: While regular cycles suggest ovulation, they don’t guarantee fertility. Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or tubal blockages can exist even in those with predictable menstrual cycles. A study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that many women with subclinical endometriosis had no noticeable symptoms, yet faced difficulty conceiving.
Regular periods are a positive sign, but they’re just one part of a much more complex reproductive puzzle.
Myth #3: Birth control causes infertility
Fact: There is no evidence that using hormonal birth control leads to long-term infertility. Fertility typically returns within weeks to a few months after stopping most forms of contraception. A meta-analysis in Contraception and Reproductive Medicine reviewed 22 studies and found no adverse effect of prior oral contraceptive use on long-term fertility outcomes.
That said, it can take time for cycles to normalize, especially after long-term use, leading some to mistakenly associate birth control with infertility.
Myth #4: IVF is the only solution if you can’t conceive naturally
Fact: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a powerful tool, but it’s far from the only option. Other treatments like timed intercourse, ovulation induction, and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are often successful, especially for younger individuals or those with mild fertility challenges.
IVF is typically recommended only when less invasive methods haven’t worked or when there’s a medical need, such as blocked fallopian tubes or advanced maternal age.
Myth #5: Stress alone can cause infertility
Fact: Chronic stress can affect hormone regulation, including levels of cortisol, GnRH, and prolactin, all of which play a role in ovulation and sperm production. However, stress is a contributing factor, not a standalone cause. A systematic review in the Journal of Internal Medicine concluded that while psychological stress can lower the likelihood of conception, it’s rarely the sole reason for infertility.
Still, addressing stress is important, not just for fertility, but for emotional resilience throughout the journey.
Can lifestyle changes actually improve fertility?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes have been shown to improve fertility outcomes, especially when paired with medical interventions. According to research in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use can significantly affect reproductive health for both men and women.
For example:
- Smoking is linked to lower ovarian reserve and sperm quality
- Alcohol can disrupt hormone levels critical to conception
- Regular moderate exercise enhances metabolic function and supports ovulation, particularly in those with PCOS
What role does nutrition play in fertility?
A fertility-supportive diet focuses on:
- Antioxidants (like vitamins C and E, zinc, and folate) that protect egg and sperm from oxidative stress
- Healthy fats like omega-3s that support hormone production
- Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and leafy greens that regulate insulin and hormone levels
A landmark study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health linked the “fertility diet”, rich in plant-based proteins, whole-fat dairy, and complex carbs, to a 66% lower risk of ovulatory infertility.
Treatment options, what are the latest advancements?
Fertility treatment is no longer one-size-fits-all. Instead, it’s a personalized, step-by-step approach based on age, medical history, diagnosis, and time trying to conceive. Initial treatments often include:
- Ovulation induction using medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI), where sperm is inserted directly into the uterus
- Lifestyle and timing guidance, especially for mild or unexplained infertility
For more complex cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are used.
Conclusion
Infertility is complex, but knowledge is power. Whether you’re just starting to think about growing your family or are deep in the TTC journey, understanding the science behind fertility can help you advocate for your body, seek timely care, and protect your emotional well-being. At Cradlewise, we’re here to support you through every step, with evidence-based insights, compassionate tools, and smarter sleep for your future little one.
