Infertility Myths; Don't You Believe It!
Myths surround what is not fully understood, and infertility myths are no different. Dispelling the myths can help both emotionally and mentally. From the myth that infertility is a woman's problem, to the idea that if you just stop trying so hard pregnancy will happen, many myths will be 'busted' and understanding will take their place.
I am sure that many couples that are trying 'everything' to achieve conception have heard from well meaning friends and family the "Relax! Stop trying so hard and you will be pregnant in no time." myth. This myth is just that, a myth. Relaxing will not suddenly correct infertility. The infertile couple faces many things, treatment options, continuous exams and tests, and stress. Relaxing may reduce the stress, and improve the couple's quality of life, but stopping all the treatments, exams and tests will not increase the chances of pregnancy.
I certainly hope that no one has heard the "Maybe this is God's way of telling you that you were not meant to be parents" statement. As painful as it is hear such a thing, all infertile couples need to know that infertility is not a punishment for your past, or a sentence of your future. Infertility is a medical condition, and in most cases is fully treatable. Don't fall for the God myth; no one is punishing you for anything or any reason.
Now, what about the myth that is created in your own mind? You know, the one that says to you "You are alone in this, no one else could ever understand because no one else has ever gone through this." Maybe you will be happy to know that you are not alone in this journey? Just do a web search for 'infertility support group' and you will get back more 'hits' than you can shake a stick at. By joining a support group either online or in the 'real' world, you can learn that there are others that are dealing with the same issues you are. Please don't believe that you are alone, there are others, there is me.
Here is another myth that really needs to be 'busted'. "Infertility is only a worry for older women." Unfortunately this just is not true, fertility begins to decline in the late 20's and significantly declines after age 35. In my book, as I get older, 35 still seems pretty young to me. Although age can be a factor in infertility, I have known 18 year olds that needed treatment just as much at 38 year olds did. Infertility can happen at any age.
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