Busting 6 Common Infertility Myths

By Meadows Women’s Center

Date: 4/21/25

Infertility is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions surrounding fertility can cause unnecessary guilt, shame, and confusion for individuals and couples trying to conceive. In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re debunking some of the most common myths — and sharing the facts that everyone should know.

Myth 1: You’ll definitely get pregnant if you’re young and healthy.

Truth: While age and good health can improve fertility, they don’t guarantee it. Infertility can affect anyone — including people in their 20s and 30s with no obvious health issues. Underlying conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances may not show visible symptoms, yet still impact fertility.

Myth 2: If you’re having regular periods, you’re fertile.

Truth: A regular cycle doesn’t always mean ovulation is occurring — or that fertility is optimal. Someone might have consistent periods and still face issues with egg quality, hormone levels, or reproductive anatomy. Fertility involves multiple complex systems working together, and cycle regularity is just one piece of the puzzle.

Myth 3: Infertility means you’re not trying hard enough.

Truth: Infertility is a medical condition — not a reflection of effort, timing, or desire. Many people trying to conceive spend months or years undergoing tests, treatments, and emotional ups and downs. Suggesting they’re not “trying hard enough” is not only inaccurate, it’s harmful.

Myth 4: Just relax and it will happen.

Truth: While stress can influence overall well-being, infertility is most often caused by medical factors like ovulation disorders, low sperm count, or blocked fallopian tubes. “Relaxing” is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Support and stress management are important — but they are not cures.

Myth 5: Infertility is a “woman’s” issue.

Truth: Infertility affects all genders nearly equally. Male factor infertility is involved in about half of all cases. Conception challenges are a shared experience, and no single person should carry the blame.

Myth 6: If you already have one child, you can’t be infertile.

Truth: This is known as secondary infertility — and it’s very real. Even if someone had no issues conceiving their first child, factors like age, hormonal shifts, or unexplained changes can make it more difficult the second time around.

Misinformation only adds to the emotional toll of infertility. By challenging these common myths, we not only educate — we create space for compassion, understanding, and advocacy. If you or someone you love is facing infertility, know that you are not alone. Support, answers, and community are here.

Join Meadows Women’s Center in breaking the stigma. Because knowledge is power — and support makes all the difference.