Written by Rhiannon Davis. Reviewed by Jenny Wordsworth 

I wasn’t the most diligent student in biology (despite what the A* GCSE says), but how did we get from “you’ll get pregnant from touching a penis” to “only 25% of people under 30 will get pregnant naturally each cycle if they’re not on birth control” - I guess it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. I spent the first year of my journey in the fertility world frantically googling everything I could about fertility, from the usual questions, to the down-right strange. As such, my Google search history read a little like: 

“Do pineapple cores actually help fertility, or am I just torturing my taste buds?”

“Can standing on my head after sex really help? Asking for a friend.”

"How long can I stare at a pregnancy test before it changes its mind?"

Whilst I’m sharing these as a joke, in reality it was a confusing, anxious, and lonely time where I was unsure who I could talk to, or where to find reputable sources of information. My GP said I needed to try for at least 12 months, my friends (although well-meaning) told me to “relax more”, and my body was just crying out for a big glass of red wine, even though colloquial advice when TTC was “don’t drink”. 

So this World Fertility Day, I wanted to take the time to bust some of the most common myths I heard when first entering the TTC world, in an attempt to make it slightly easier for anyone starting their fertility journey, and hopefully cut through the BS out there on the way. 

❌Myth Number 1: Is caffeine secretly conspiring against my eggs?

It’s well known in my household that I can’t start the day without a cup of coffee (some might even go as far as saying that they don’t talk to me until I’ve had my first cup). BUT, Caffeine, while beloved for its energising effects, has been a topic of debate in fertility research. Some studies suggest that high caffeine intake (more than 300 mg per day, about 3 cups of coffee) may negatively impact fertility by disrupting ovulation and potentially reducing egg quality. However, moderate consumption—typically less than 200 mg per day—does not seem to significantly affect fertility outcomes in most individuals. So while your morning coffee probably isn't conspiring against your eggs, moderation is key!

❌Myth Number 2: Infertility is a Woman only problem

The focus when talking about infertility tends to centre on women, and every single Google search of mine yielded results that focused on “female fertility”. Yet research suggests that 30% of infertility issues relate to those whose sex was recorded female at birth, 30% to those whose sex was recorded male at birth and the remainder are unexplained. Yet 18% of men surveyed think women are most likely to have fertility issues. Yup, that’s nearly 1/5th of men that think that. Interviews also suggest that when men do have fertility issues, they are far less likely to seek professional help or speak to friends & family about this. When they do seek support or fertility treatments, they are less likely to be offered support than female partners.

These findings are indicative of infertility typically being seen as a “female issue” in heterosexual relationships.

It’s clear that there is a knowledge gap when it comes to fertility, and one of the most impactful things that we, as a brand and a society, can do, is address this knowledge gap and make fertility support, treatments, including at-home testing, easier to access for both sexes. The World Health Organization, or WHO, recognises this and also the impact of infertility care on marginalised populations. 

It’s safe to say that while we’ve come a long way, we still have a lot of work to do when it comes to infertility and gender equality. Hopefully, by talking about it more, we can shed light on some of these issues and address challenges head-on. It’s time to remove this stigma and acknowledge that fertility is a global problem and doesn’t discriminate based on sex. 

❌Myth Number 3: Having sex everyday is the best way to get pregnant

Having sex every day is not the best strategy for getting pregnant (or for your sanity!) for heterosexual couples. The more frequent the ejaculation, the lower the concentration of sperm. Therefore, it’s best to have sex every 48 - 72 hours, as this increases the quantity of quality sperm per ejaculation, increasing the odds of a successful pregnancy. 

One recommendation for increasing the probability of fertilisation is to hold off having sex for 2 - 3 days before ovulation, and then having sex on the day before and day after ovulation. It is also worth noting that sperm can live up to 5 days inside the fallopian tube, so there is room for tracking errors on ovulation, and you don't need to just wait for ovulation day. So by all means, do the baby dance every day if you’re so inclined, but if you’re like me, and fall into bed exhausted every night, then great news for you, you can get your beauty sleep straight away.

❌Myth Number 4: Pineapple cores help you get pregnant

Back to my Google search history. If you’re part of the TTC community, you might see pineapple pins at shows, people wearing socks with pineapples on at clinics etc. Now Pineapple, particularly its core, is often touted in fertility circles for its bromelain content, an enzyme believed to have anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. Some people claim that eating pineapple cores after ovulation may help with embryo implantation due to these effects. However, there is no solid scientific evidence supporting pineapple's role in improving fertility or increasing the chances of conception. While bromelain has been studied for its anti-inflammatory benefits, its direct connection to fertility remains anecdotal. So, while pineapple cores might be tasty (or not in my case!), it’s not a proven fertility booster.

❌Myth Number 5: Standing on your head or lifting your legs in the air for 20 minutes after sex will improve your chances of conception

This idea might seem like a fun trick to help you conceive! The theory goes that if you tip your pelvis, the little swimmers will have a faster route to the egg. But in reality, all you're likely to get is numb legs from all the blood rushing away from your feet.

While it might seem like a clever way to help sperm travel to the cervix and uterus, the truth is quite different. Sperm are amazing swimmers, and gravity doesn’t really impact their journey to the cervix and egg. So, the position of your legs, or any other part of your body, after sex doesn’t affect your chances of conception.

But hey, if it makes you feel proactive, it won’t hurt your chances, either!

❌Myth Number 6: Carrying a phone in your pocket will impact those all important swimmers

The concern about whether carrying a phone in a pocket could affect fertility, particularly sperm health, stems from studies suggesting that mobile devices' heat and electromagnetic radiation might negatively impact sperm quality. Some research has found that prolonged exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves from phones, especially when kept close to the reproductive organs, may be linked to decreased sperm motility and concentration. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and many factors contribute to fertility beyond phone usage. Anyone worried about fertility might consider lifestyle adjustments like reducing direct phone contact with the body. Still, while there's some evidence to support caution, more studies are needed to determine the exact impact. So if you’re concerned about yourself/your partner/your sperm donor carrying their phone in their pocket, remember to prioritise other things that matter too, like improving egg or sperm quality. 

❌Myth Number 7: I shouldn’t exercise whilst TTC

Now this was one that I was particularly concerned about. As a gal who loves to run, cycle and swim long distances, I was worried that when the time came to conceive, I would no longer be able to do the things that make me happy (Type A person I know). So I was pleased to hear that for optimal fertility, having lots of healthy mitochondria improves egg quality by supplying them with energy for growth, fertilisation, and early embryo development. We can do so much to improve those mitochondria through exercise. All physical activity supports better mood and reduces stress levels while giving back a sense of control over your own body, which is just the tonic when trying to conceive!

❌Myth Number 8: Fertility treatments guarantee you’ll have triplets.

Historically, multiple births after IVF treatment were more common due to multiple embryos being planted. However, thanks to advances in technology, fertility treatments like IVF no longer lead to a real-life version of Cheaper by the Dozen. Single embryo transfers are the norm now, making multiples much less likely than people think. The average UK multiple birth rate from IVF treatment has decreased from around 28% in the 1990s to 6% in 2019. What a win.

❌Myth Number 9: AMH tests can tell you if you’re fertile or not

One common fertility myth is that Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels are a definitive marker of fertility. While AMH is often used as an indicator of ovarian reserve (the number of eggs left in your ovaries), it does not predict your ability to conceive or the quality of your eggs. Many people believe that a low AMH means they can’t get pregnant, but this isn’t necessarily true.

AMH levels provide information about how many eggs are present, not about the health of those eggs or your overall fertility. People with low AMH levels can still conceive naturally, and people with high AMH may still encounter fertility challenges due to other factors like egg quality, hormonal imbalances, or male factor infertility. It’s important to remember that AMH is just one piece of the fertility puzzle (as we’re learning, there are many), and a low AMH does not equate to infertility.

For those concerned about AMH levels, talking to a fertility specialist can help interpret the results within the broader context of your reproductive health, and it is best practice to have both an AMH test and ultrasound to determine your AFC (antral follicle count) - together, these two bits of data can give you an overview of your ovarian reserve and fertility.. Ultimately, fertility is influenced by various factors, and AMH alone is not the magic number many assume it to be.

❌Myth Number 10: I’ve had regular periods all my life, infertility won’t be an issue for me

While regular periods often indicate consistent ovulation, they do not guarantee fertility. Many other factors contribute to the ability to conceive (I’m not sure anyone will be surprised by this by now), including egg quality, fallopian tube health, sperm quality, and underlying conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can impact fertility despite a regular menstrual cycle. Age is also a significant factor, as fertility declines over time, even if menstruation remains consistent. Studies show that egg quality diminishes with age, which can reduce the likelihood of conception regardless of regular cycles. Therefore, while regular periods are a positive sign, they do not rule out potential fertility challenges.

Key Takeaways on Fertility Myths

I hope by dispelling some of these myths, I can help you make informed decisions about your TTC journey (and prevent some of those late night Googles). Focusing on evidence-based advice rather than outdated beliefs when TTC is key to improving your fertility outcomes and some of these myths, whilst harmless, do create unnecessary stress or lead to misconceptions. So, skip the midnight Googling and trust in the evidence—your future self (and your sanity) will thank you!