4 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FERTILITY

28 September 20234′ read4 sections

CONTENTS

#1. Infertility is a woman's problem
#2. A second child is as easy as the first
#3. It is almost impossible for a woman to become pregnant after 35
#4. Male fertility remains constant throughout life

Infertility is a condition that is often overlooked and surrounded by misconceptions. Many couples trying to conceive find themselves face to face with unwanted advice from people who are not fully aware of, or do not fully understand, their circumstances. At the same time, those facing fertility problems may become confused or lose sight of what is actually fact and what is merely myth. The Reproductive Medicine Centre aims to unpick the misconceptions around fertility and bring clear information about reproductive health to the fore.

#1. Infertility is a woman's problem

There is a widespread stigma that holds women solely responsible for infertility. Many people believe that infertility is only a female issue, yet science shows that nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, women account for one third of infertility cases, while men also account for around one third. The remaining third is due to unexplained infertility or a combination of complications. According to recent studies, “Almost 50% of men facing infertility have a low sperm count as the primary factor. This condition is considered the most common cause of infertility.” The various causes of male infertility could include genetic defects, undescended testicles, diabetes or testicular infections. Couples facing fertility problems are encouraged to explore every possibility that may be causing delayed conception.

#2. A second child is as easy as the first

People who conceived their first child easily are often confused when they struggle to conceive their second. Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive a second child after the birth of the first. Explanations for why a couple may be facing infertility include factors such as age, a low sperm count, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or damaged fallopian tubes. Popular and effective treatments for secondary infertility for many couples include in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Through various treatments, couples can in most cases conceive a second child.

#3. It is almost impossible for a woman to become pregnant after 35

Broadly speaking, a woman's fertility is at its peak from her teens to her mid-20s and starts to decline in her mid-30s, but this does not rule her out of becoming a mother altogether. At 35, most women have a 15% to 20% chance of becoming pregnant in any given month. This could mean a 78% chance of conceiving within the year. Age is a contributing factor when trying to conceive, but modern science has made it reasonable to minimise this contributing factor. In today's culture, many people do not consider family planning until their 30s, for reasons such as career progression, financial growth and personal choices. If trying for a child is not something to be considered in the near future, we recommend that the person consider fertility preservation options.

#4. Male fertility remains constant throughout life

Men, unlike women, who stop producing eggs at a certain age, never stop producing sperm. While the quantity of sperm may not be a problem, sperm quality changes with age. After the age of 35, sperm quality starts to change. Studies show that the decline begins at around 35 — in one study, men over 35 had fertility rates of 25%, compared with men under 35, who had fertility rates of 52%. A semen analysis would help clarify whether individual factors, such as a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, semen acidity and sperm concentration, could potentially be the cause of a delayed pregnancy.

If you or your partner are looking for help or would like to explore your fertility options, we are here for you. We understand that infertility can be a long and difficult journey for a couple, and we have years of experience meeting everyone's needs with care. Contact the “Dr. Alexandros Traianos” Reproductive Medicine Centre today and together we will help you find the answers you are looking for. For information, call ☎️(+30) 2310 277 032 or send a message to 📧email alexandrostraianos@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

#1. Infertility is a woman's problem

#2. A second child is as easy as the first

#3. It is almost impossible for a woman to become pregnant after 35

#4. Male fertility remains constant throughout life

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?