Understanding Fertility
At the heart of having a baby is how biology, lifestyle, and the world around us work together. Fertility means that both partners can produce healthy eggs and sperm at the right time and that these join together to form a growing embryo. Hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, help regulate periods for people with ovaries, while testosterone helps make sperm in people with testes.
Hormone imbalances or problems with body structure can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant. Age is also a significant factor. As we grow older, the number and quality of our eggs may change. Other factors—like weight, stress, and exposure to harmful chemicals—also affect fertility. There may be less open talk about reproductive health in northeastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
It’s important to remember that both partners affect how easily pregnancy can happen. Regular periods, timely egg release, and good sperm health all matter. If there are problems, talking to a doctor early can help find answers. By learning how our bodies work, we can spot issues sooner and take steps to fix them.
With the correct facts, couples in these regions can feel more confident and ask for help when needed. Understanding fertility is the first step toward making better choices in parenthood. Knowing this information lets you take control of your journey and move closer to your dream of having a baby. Even small preparation brings significant changes. Embrace knowledge and let it guide each new step.
Common Myths & Real Facts
Fertility can be confusing when we hear many different ideas or advice, especially in northeastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Friends and family might share stories passed down over the years, and it’s hard to know what’s true. By learning the facts, we can make better choices about our health and ask for help when needed. Below are some common myths and facts that can guide you on your journey to parenthood.
Myth #1: “Only Women Have Fertility Problems”
Real Fact:
Both men and women can have fertility issues. Research shows that almost half of all infertility cases involve a male factor, like low sperm count or poor sperm movement. This means checking both partners’ health is essential. If one person assumes it’s only a woman’s issue, they may miss getting tests or treatments that could fix a problem on the man’s side. At Janitva IVF, we encourage couples to learn about each other’s fertility so they can move forward together.
Why It Matters:
In many communities, men may feel uncomfortable talking about fertility or going to a doctor. Knowing fertility is a shared concern helps reduce blame and stress. It also means both partners can support each other and find the right medical help faster.
Myth #2: “Stress Alone Causes Infertility”
Real Fact:
Stress can affect your body, but it is rarely the only cause of infertility. Fertility depends on many things, like the health of eggs, sperm, and the reproductive system, as well as age and lifestyle choices. While high stress can upset hormone levels, most fertility problems come from a mix of factors. If you’re worried, try relaxation exercises, therapy, or gentle activities like yoga. But remember that simply “calming down” may not fix a medical concern.
Why It Matters:
Telling someone, “Just relax, and you’ll get pregnant”, can feel dismissive. It might stop them from looking for real issues or professional advice. Couples can keep a balanced view by taking stress seriously, checking for medical reasons, and finding better solutions.
Myth #3: “Age Doesn’t Matter If You’re Healthy”
Real Fact:
Age is one of the most significant factors in fertility, especially for people with ovaries. After the mid-30s, egg quantity and quality drop more quickly. Men also see changes in sperm quality with age, though often later. Even if you feel fit and healthy, biology still plays a role. This doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible later in life—it just means you might need extra support or care.
Why It Matters:
In many parts of northeastern India and neighbouring countries, people may wait to have children due to work, education, or migration. However, waiting too long can lower the chances of a successful pregnancy. Talking with a doctor early is okay, even if you don’t plan to start a family right now.
Myth #4: “IVF Is the Only Choice Once You Have Fertility Problems”
Real Fact:
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a powerful tool, but it is not the only option. Other treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), hormone therapy, or simple surgeries, can help, depending on the cause. Sometimes, lifestyle changes—improving diet, reaching a healthier weight, or stopping smoking—can boost fertility. Fertility specialists will examine each person’s case to find the best step. IVF might be a good choice for some, but others can benefit from less complicated treatments.
Why It Matters:
People often fear that IVF is too expensive or too complex. Learning about the full range of options can help you choose the best path for yourself, your budget, and your health. This can be especially important for those travelling from Bangladesh, Nepal, or Bhutan, who may have limited resources or face challenges crossing borders for treatment.
Myth #5: “Herbal Remedies Alone Will Solve Everything”
Why It Matters:
People often fear that IVF is too expensive or too complex. Learning about the full range of options can help you choose the best path for yourself, your budget, and your health. This can be especially important for those travelling from Bangladesh, Nepal, or Bhutan, who may have limited resources or face challenges crossing borders for treatment.
Real Fact:
Traditional remedies can sometimes improve overall health or lower stress, supporting fertility. However, they might not fix specific medical issues like blocked tubes, endometriosis, or severe hormone problems. If you rely only on herbs, you could miss out on needed tests or treatments. It’s important to talk openly with a healthcare provider if you want to combine traditional and modern methods.
Why It Matters:
In many cultures, herbal remedies are passed down through families. They can be comforting and helpful in some ways, but serious fertility problems might need extra help. A trusted doctor can guide you on safe ways to use herbs alongside medical care.
Myth #6: “Just Relax and It Will Happen”
Real Fact:
Hearing “just relax” can be hurtful if you’ve been trying for a baby without success. While lowering stress is good for your overall health, actual fertility problems often need medical solutions. Sometimes, the issue could be genetic, structural (like a uterine fibroid), or related to sperm health. Reducing stress is part of a balanced approach but isn’t a cure-all.
Why It Matters:
This myth can stop people from finding real solutions. You can make real progress by checking for medical causes and learning how lifestyle or age affects fertility. Plus, getting rid of guilt and blame helps couples face the process together.
Fertility myths can cause confusion, delay essential treatments, and add emotional strain to people who want nothing more than to start or expand their families. By understanding the real facts, you can take control of your journey. Whether you live in a large city or a small rural area in the northeastern region or come from Bangladesh, Nepal, or Bhutan, remember that education is your best ally. Separating myths from facts opens the door to better conversations with doctors, more supportive relationships at home, and, most importantly, higher chances of finding a path that leads to a healthy pregnancy and a fulfilling future. Fertility doesn’t have to be shrouded in mystery. By distinguishing myths from facts, we hope to give you confidence and equip you with the right questions to ask as you pursue parenthood—wherever that journey may lead you. By embracing factual knowledge and seeking timely medical guidance, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of a fulfilling and joyful fertility journey and outcome.
