Separating Fact from Fiction: Exploring 29 Conception Myths
The journey towards parenthood is often filled with excitement, anticipation, and a bit of uncertainty. With so much information available, it can be overwhelming for couples trying to conceive to separate fact from fiction. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding conception that can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. In this blog post, we will explore 29 common conception myths and debunk them with scientific evidence and expert opinions.
Myth #1: The Best Time to Conceive is During Ovulation
Fact: Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg from the ovary, which typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so having sex a few days before ovulation can also lead to pregnancy. Additionally, factors such as stress, illness, and hormonal imbalances can affect ovulation and make it difficult to pinpoint the exact time of ovulation.
Myth #2: You Can’t Get Pregnant on Your Period
Fact: While it is less likely, it is still possible to get pregnant during your period. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, so if you have a short menstrual cycle or ovulate early, it is possible for sperm to fertilize an egg during your period. It is always best to use contraception if you are not trying to conceive.
Myth #3: Infertility is Always a Woman’s Problem
Fact: Infertility affects both men and women equally. In about one-third of cases, the cause of infertility is due to female factors, one-third is due to male factors, and the remaining one-third is a combination of both male and female factors.
Myth #4: You Have to Have an Orgasm to Get Pregnant
Fact: While an orgasm can increase the chances of getting pregnant, it is not necessary for conception. The cervix naturally dips into the pool of semen during sex, allowing sperm to enter the uterus even without an orgasm.
Myth #5: Lifting Your Legs in the Air After Sex Increases Your Chances of Conception
Fact: This myth is based on the belief that lifting your legs in the air after sex helps the sperm reach the egg faster. However, gravity plays no role in the fertilization process. Sperm swim upwards towards the egg regardless of your position.
Myth #6: The More You Have Sex, the Better Your Chances of Conceiving
Fact: While having sex more frequently may increase the chances of getting pregnant, it is not a guarantee. It is important to have sex regularly, but not so often that it becomes stressful or a chore. Quality over quantity is key.
Myth #7: Birth Control Pills Cause Infertility
Fact: Birth control pills do not cause infertility. They work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Once a woman stops taking birth control, her fertility should return to normal.
Myth #8: Men Produce New Sperm Every Day
Fact: Sperm production takes about 74 days, so the sperm a man produces today may have been formed two to three months ago. Factors such as illness, medication, and lifestyle choices can also affect sperm quality and quantity.
Myth #9: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex Standing Up
Fact: The position during sex has no impact on fertility. As long as sperm is deposited in the vagina, it can reach the cervix and fertilize an egg.
Myth #10: Taking a Hot Bath or Shower After Sex Can Kill Sperm
Fact: Sperm are produced and stored in the testicles, which are located outside of the body to keep them at a lower temperature than the rest of the body. A hot bath or shower may temporarily decrease sperm count, but it will not affect fertility.
Myth #11: You Shouldn’t Exercise or Lift Heavy Objects While Trying to Conceive
Fact: Moderate exercise is beneficial for overall health and can even improve fertility. Lifting heavy objects should be avoided during pregnancy, but it has no impact on conception.
Myth #12: The Pill Can Cause Birth Defects
Fact: The pill does not cause birth defects. In fact, it can help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of birth defects by preventing unintended pregnancies.
Myth #13: Drinking Caffeine Reduces Fertility
Fact: While excessive caffeine consumption can affect fertility, moderate caffeine intake (1-2 cups of coffee per day) has not been shown to have a negative impact on fertility.
Myth #14: You Need to Take Prenatal Vitamins Before Conceiving
Fact: While prenatal vitamins are important for a healthy pregnancy, they are not necessary before conception. However, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and take folic acid supplements to reduce the risk of birth defects.

Separating Fact from Fiction: Exploring 29 Conception Myths
Myth #15: Being Overweight or Underweight Can Affect Fertility
Fact: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and can also improve fertility. Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone levels and ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive.
Myth #16: Breastfeeding Prevents Pregnancy
Fact: While breastfeeding can delay ovulation and make it more difficult to conceive, it is not a reliable form of birth control. Ovulation can still occur, and sperm can survive for several days, making it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Myth #17: You Can’t Get Pregnant After 35
Fact: While fertility does decline with age, many women over 35 can still conceive naturally. However, it may take longer, and there is an increased risk of pregnancy complications.
Myth #18: Menstrual Blood Washes Sperm Out of the Vagina
Fact: Menstrual blood and cervical mucus create a hospitable environment for sperm to travel through the vagina and into the uterus. The flow of blood can actually help push sperm towards the cervix.
Myth #19: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Irregular Periods
Fact: While irregular periods can make it more difficult to track ovulation, it is still possible to conceive. It may require more effort and patience, but it is not impossible.
Myth #20: You Need to Have Sex Every Day to Get Pregnant
Fact: Having sex every day can actually decrease sperm count and reduce the chances of conception. It is important to have sex regularly, but not too frequently.
Myth #21: Smoking Doesn’t Affect Male Fertility
Fact: Smoking can damage sperm and reduce sperm count, making it more difficult to conceive. It can also lead to erectile dysfunction, which can also affect fertility.
Myth #22: A Woman Can Only Get Pregnant Once a Month
Fact: While a woman typically ovulates once a month, it is possible to ovulate more than once in a cycle. This is known as “superfetation” and can result in twins with different conception dates.
Myth #23: A Woman’s Fertility Declines After Miscarriage
Fact: A miscarriage does not affect a woman’s future fertility. In fact, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after a miscarriage.
Myth #24: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex During Your Period
Fact: While it is less likely, it is still possible to get pregnant during your period. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, so if you have a short menstrual cycle or ovulate early, it is possible for sperm to fertilize an egg during your period.
Myth #25: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex While Standing Up
Fact: The position during sex has no impact on fertility. As long as sperm is deposited in the vagina, it can reach the cervix and fertilize an egg.
Myth #26: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex During a Full Moon
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this myth. The moon has no impact on fertility.
Myth #27: Taking a Pregnancy Test at Night is Less Accurate
Fact: The time of day does not affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test. The level of hCG (the pregnancy hormone) in the urine is what determines the result.
Myth #28: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex in a Hot Tub
Fact: While a hot tub may temporarily decrease sperm count, it is not a reliable form of contraception. Sperm can still survive and fertilize an egg.
Myth #29: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex During Your First Time
Fact: It is possible to get pregnant during your first sexual experience. If sperm is present and enters the vagina, it can fertilize an egg.
In conclusion, there are many popular beliefs and misconceptions surrounding conception that can cause unnecessary stress and confusion for couples trying to conceive. It is important to seek information from reliable sources and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions. By separating fact from fiction, we can empower ourselves with accurate knowledge and increase our chances of successfully conceiving.
SEO metadata:







