In Tamil Nadu, fertility isn’t just a medical topic—it’s woven into traditions, customs, and everyday conversations. While our culture is rich and deeply respectful of life, many outdated beliefs about fertility still linger. These myths often delay treatment, create unnecessary emotional pressure, and spread misinformation among families.
At Mithran Fertility Center in Chidambaram, we meet hundreds of couples each year who have faced judgment, confusion, or fear—all because of common fertility myths.
This blog aims to gently yet clearly separate myth from fact. If you’re planning to conceive, undergoing fertility treatment, or supporting someone on this journey, read on to find out what science really says.
Fertility Myths
Myth 1 – Only Women Are Responsible for Infertility
Cultural Belief:
“If a couple can’t conceive, it must be the woman’s fault.”
Scientific Truth:
Infertility affects both men and women equally. In fact:
- 40% of infertility cases are due to male factors
- 40% are due to female factors
- 20% are unexplained or involve both partners
A simple semen analysis can reveal sperm issues like low count, motility problems, or abnormal shape—all treatable.
What to do:
Both partners should be tested early. Fertility is a shared responsibility.
Myth 2 – Eating Certain Foods or Visiting Temples Guarantees Pregnancy
Cultural Belief:
“Drink herbal juices, eat raw eggs, or visit a specific temple — you’ll get pregnant.”
Scientific Truth:
While temple visits and prayers can offer emotional strength, conception is a biological process involving:
- Ovulation and egg quality
- Sperm health
- Hormonal balance
- Uterine and fallopian tube function
Food like dates, almonds, and herbal drinks may support general health, but they cannot cure infertility alone.
What to do:
Combine healthy lifestyle habits with proper medical evaluation and treatment for the best results.
Cultural Belief:
“IVF babies are weak, artificial, or always born in pairs.”Scientific Truth:
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) simply helps fertilize the egg and sperm outside the body. The baby develops inside the womb like any natural pregnancy.- IVF babies are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies
- Twins occur only when more than one embryo is transferred — and many clinics today promote single embryo transfer (SET) to avoid complications
What to do:
Trust science. IVF is a safe, proven method used by millions worldwide.- IVF babies are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies
Myth 4 – A Woman Must Conceive Within the First Year of Marriage
Cultural Belief:
“If a woman doesn’t conceive in one year, something is wrong.”
Scientific Truth:
While many couples conceive within 6–12 months, it’s normal for some to take longer. Also, age, health, and timing of intercourse play major roles.
Medical advice:
- If under 35, seek help after 12 months
- If over 35, consult after 6 months
- If known conditions (PCOS, thyroid, irregular periods) exist, seek help immediately
Rushing or pressuring couples too early can cause stress and impact fertility.
Myth 5 – Male Infertility Means a Man Is ‘Less Masculine’
Cultural Belief:
“Only weak men have fertility issues.”Scientific Truth:
Male fertility is linked to sperm health, not masculinity, strength, or physical appearance. Factors include:- Heat exposure (e.g., tight underwear, laptop on lap)
- Smoking or alcohol
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress and lifestyle
- Genetic issues
Most male fertility issues are treatable with medication or techniques like ICSI.
What to do:
Normalize semen testing. Encourage men to speak openly and seek support.- Heat exposure (e.g., tight underwear, laptop on lap)
Myth 6 – Delaying Pregnancy for Career Will Always Lead to Infertility
Cultural Belief:
“If you wait until your 30s, you’ll never get pregnant.”
Scientific Truth:
Fertility does decline with age — especially after 35 — but many women in their early and mid-30s conceive naturally or with minor help.
Options like:
- Fertility testing (AMH, antral follicle count)
- Egg freezing
- Timed intercourse or IUI
can help women plan pregnancy better.
What to do:
Stay informed and proactive. Don’t rush due to pressure, but don’t delay blindly either.
Myth 7 – Bed Rest After Intercourse or IVF Improves Success
Cultural Belief:
“After embryo transfer or intercourse, don’t move — lie down completely for days.”
Scientific Truth:
There is no medical evidence that lying in bed after intercourse or IVF improves success. In fact:
- Light walking is encouraged after embryo transfer
- Complete bed rest can increase stress and cause complications (e.g., clots)
What to do:
Stay relaxed. Avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts, but light activity is healthy.
FAQs
Yes, you can still have underlying issues like blocked tubes, low sperm count, or poor egg quality. Consult a fertility doctor.
No. Regular intercourse every 2–3 days is ideal. Abstaining for long periods may actually reduce motility.
Yes. There is no harm in following religious practices alongside medical treatment if it brings you emotional comfort.
Yes. Due to stress, late marriages, pollution, and lifestyle changes, infertility rates are rising in both rural and urban areas.
- At Mithran Fertility Center, we maintain full confidentiality. Your privacy is our priority.
Conclusion
Fertility is a journey of science, emotions, and faith. While our traditions offer strength, it’s important to balance them with facts. Don’t let myths delay your chance at parenthood.
At Mithran Fertility Center, we’re committed to offering medically accurate, compassionate, and culturally respectful care. Whether you’re just starting your journey or exploring treatments like IUI or IVF, we’re here to answer every question — without judgment.
Let’s break the stigma, end the blame, and bring truth to light — one couple at a time.
