fertility is a topic surrounded by a lot of well meaning advice, old wives' tales and misinformation. when you're trying to conceive, it can be genuinely hard to know what's worth paying attention to. here, we go through some common myths with as much honesty as we can.
myth: certain foods or supplements can boost your fertility
this is one of the most common claims out there, and unfortunately, it's not well supported by evidence. while a generally nutrient rich, balanced diet is recognised as supportive of overall reproductive health, no specific food, seed or supplement has been clinically shown to boost fertility, improve egg or sperm quality, or increase the chances of conceiving. be cautious of any product, including ours, that claims otherwise.
myth: if you're not pregnant within a few months, something is wrong
conception can take time for many healthy couples, and how long it reasonably takes varies a great deal between individuals. general guidance in the uk suggests seeking advice from your gp if you haven't conceived after a year of trying regularly, or sooner if you're over 36 or have a known reason for concern. needing more time than expected doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, but it is always reasonable to seek advice if you're worried.
myth: stress alone causes infertility
trying to conceive can be genuinely stressful, and it's often suggested that people should simply "relax" to conceive. while chronic stress can affect overall wellbeing and, in some cases, menstrual regularity, there is no good evidence that stress alone is a common cause of infertility, and this idea can be genuinely hurtful to hear when you're already finding things hard. please don't take on the added burden of blaming yourself for feeling stressed about something that is naturally stressful.
myth: fertility problems are usually a women's issue
male factors are involved in a significant proportion of fertility difficulties, either alone or alongside female factors. fertility investigations typically, and appropriately, involve both partners from the outset, rather than focusing on one person.
myth: you can't get pregnant if you have irregular cycles
irregular cycles can make conception less predictable and sometimes indicate an underlying condition worth investigating, such as pcos, but they don't necessarily mean pregnancy isn't possible. it's still worth discussing irregular cycles with your gp, particularly if you're trying to conceive.
myth: age only matters for women
female fertility does decline more noticeably with age, but male fertility also changes gradually over time. age is a relevant factor for both partners, even if the pattern and pace of change differs.
myth: a healthy lifestyle guarantees a healthy pregnancy
looking after your general health through nutrition, exercise, not smoking and moderating alcohol is genuinely worthwhile and recognised as supportive of overall wellbeing. however, it cannot guarantee a pregnancy, and fertility difficulties can affect people regardless of how carefully they look after themselves. we never want anyone to feel that a fertility difficulty reflects a personal failing.
why myths like these matter
misinformation in this space can lead to unnecessary guilt, false hope, or delays in seeking appropriate medical advice. we think honest, evidence based information, even when it's less exciting than a confident promise, is ultimately more respectful and more useful.
when to seek real answers
if you have questions or concerns about your own fertility, particularly if you've been trying to conceive for some time, please speak with your gp or a fertility specialist. they can give you information and guidance specific to you, rather than general claims that may or may not apply to your situation.