Most Common Female Fertility Myths — And What Science Really Says
– Published on 10 DEC 2025
When it comes to fertility myths, misconceptions and “old wives’ tales” are everywhere — and often cause more harm than good. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or simply planning for the future, it’s vital to understand what’s based on science and what’s based on fear. Let’s bust the most common myths that many women (and men) still believe, and highlight the facts you should know.
Most Common Female Fertility Myths
Myth 1: “After 35, your fertility is basically over”
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that a woman’s fertility suddenly drops off a cliff at age 35. Many believe that if you haven’t conceived by then, your chances are negligible.
The truth is more nuanced. Yes — fertility does decline with age, because women are born with a finite number of eggs, and both the quantity and quality of those eggs decrease over time. But that decline is gradual, not abrupt. Several women in their late 30s and even early 40s conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies. It’s important to view age as one factor among many — and one that influences probability, not guarantees.
Myth 2: “Infertility is only a ‘woman’s issue’”
In many societies — including here in India — the assumption persists that infertility is a “woman’s problem.” This misconception not only puts undue burden and stress on women, but also overlooks the fact that conception requires both partners.
In reality, male fertility problems (such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or sperm abnormalities) account for a significant proportion of infertility cases. For couples trying to conceive, both partners should ideally undergo evaluation. Blaming only one person can lead to unnecessary stress, guilt, and delayed diagnosis or treatment.
Myth 3: “If you eat healthy and stay fit, you don’t need to worry about fertility”
A healthy lifestyle — balanced nutrition, sensible weight, regular exercise — is absolutely beneficial for overall well-being and fertility support. That said, it doesn’t guarantee fertility.
Because your egg reserve and quality are partly determined by age and biology, even a perfectly healthy lifestyle cannot reverse the natural decline that comes with time. In other words: good health improves your odds, but it doesn’t make you immune to natural biological factors.
Myth 4: “Using birth control pills or other contraceptives causes long-term infertility”
This is one of the most widespread myths, and one that creates fear among women who use — or plan to use — hormonal contraception.
The facts are reassuring: for the most common methods (birth control pills, IUDs, etc.), there is no strong evidence of permanent damage to fertility. Hormonal birth control affects your cycle while you use it, but in most cases your fertility returns after you stop. It’s true that after you stop, your cycle may take a few months to regularize — but that’s very different from permanent infertility.
Myth 5: “Irregular periods always mean you’re infertile”
Many women believe that if their menstrual cycle is irregular, they won’t be able to conceive. While irregular periods can sometimes reflect underlying issues (like hormonal imbalance or conditions such as PCOS), they do not automatically translate into infertility. The reality is more varied: some women with irregular cycles conceive naturally without any intervention, while for others, fertility treatments or lifestyle changes may help. Irregularity can make timing more challenging, but it does not rule out fertility.
Myth 6: “Stress alone causes infertility”
It’s common to hear “just relax and it will happen.” Stress does affect general health and can influence hormonal balance — and prolonged, unmanaged stress might impact reproductive health. But it’s an oversimplification to blame stress as the main or sole cause of infertility. Infertility usually results from a complex interplay of factors: age, egg/sperm quality, ovulation patterns, anatomical factors, lifestyle choices, and sometimes underlying medical conditions — not just stress alone
Why These Myths Matter
These myths stick around because they’re often repeated — by family, friends, media, or even well-meaning friends. But believing them can lead to:
- Delayed medical consultation
- Unnecessary guilt and stress (especially for women)
- Poorly informed decisions about family planning
- False hope (or undue despair)
By understanding the facts, individuals and couples can approach fertility — and potential challenges — with clarity, confidence, and a realistic mindset.
What You Should Do If You’re Trying to Conceive
- Treat fertility as a shared journey: Both partners should get checked, not just assume one side is at fault.
- Don’t assume age or lifestyle automatically rules you out — success depends on many factors.
- Avoid relying only on hearsay, social media or cultural “wisdom.” Consult a qualified fertility specialist when needed.
- Track your cycle, know your ovulation windows — but know these are tools, not guarantees.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, but don’t expect it to reverse biological realities.
Final Thought
Fertility is not a matter of luck, guilt, or fear. It’s a complex interplay of biology, timing, health, and sometimes — luck. Myths may make for catchy gossip or social pressure, but they don’t help when you really care about raising a family. Knowledge does. Armed with accurate information, you — and your partner — can make informed, empowered decisions about your fertility journey.
If you want deeper guidance — on fertility timeline, age-related fertility, or fertility support — don’t hesitate to reach out to a fertility expert.
By Dr Samidha Dalvi-Amale
IVF and Fertility specialist Medical Director- Pune IVF