Surprising fertility facts
Here are several surprising fertility facts that a lot of us don’t know, but that we all should!
Fertility Fact #1
1 in 8 couples will experience some form of infertility. While this is the most often quoted statistic, the true number might be closer to 1 in 6.
What this means for you:
You’re not alone! A huge number of couples are dealing with either female or male factor infertility, or some combination of the two. And if you yourself aren’t having fertility problems, then you most certainly know someone who is (whether you know it or not.)
Fertility Fact #2
A healthy woman in her 20s only has a 20% chance of getting pregnant in any given menstrual cycle. That percentage steadily decreases as we get older.
What this means for you:
If you’ve just recently started working for a baby and haven’t had any luck, don’t make the mistake of freaking out immediately. It can take time, and if you’ve never had any menstrual problems or previous fertility problems, then time may very well be all you need. Stressing out about it will actually work against you. Give it at least six months before you start to suspect a problem.
Fertility Fact #3
There is research that shows that having regular sex helps a woman’s body regulate its immune system so that it’s more receptive to sperm at the time of ovulation. Additionally, “saving up” a man’s sperm for the exact right moment can lead to a reduction in quality which is to say, his swimmers can’t swim as well.
What this means for you:
Have sex throughout the month whenever it’s appealing to you and your partner. Yes, you do want to have sex around the time of ovulation, but you’re not doing yourself any favors by holding off until that moment. Also, sex is great stress reliever, so there’s that, too!
Fertility Fact #4
An egg starts maturing anywhere between 90 and 120 days before it is finally ovulated.
What this means for you:
You need to be patient and stick with any lifestyle change you make in the hopes of improving your egg quality and fertility. Nothing you do right now will have an impact on the egg you ovulate this cycle, or even the next. You’ve got to play the long game when it comes to improving your fertility!
Fertility Fact #5
Sperm production takes an average of 74 days.
What this means for you:
Just like fertility fact #4, if your partner is making lifestyle changes to support healthy sperm production, you’re not going to see results right away. It will take two, or maybe even three of your menstrual cycles for his new and improved sperm to enter the game. But patience can pay off!
Fertility Fact #6
The position you choose for sex doesn’t matter.
What this means for you:
The old myth about missionary position and rear entry being best has been debunked. Have good, fun sex and don’t worry about it!
Fertility Fact #7
Dental health affects both male and female fertility.
What this means for you:
If you’ve skipped a few dental appointments, get yourself there ASAP! Research shows that women with poor oral hygiene take longer to get pregnant and are at greater risk for complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes if they do get pregnant. Men with poor dental health often have lower sperm counts and their sperm don’t swim as well.
Fertility Fact #8
Sperm count drops when a man gets sick with a fever. (But then it goes back up.)
What this means for you:
Keep this in mind if you’re TTC and your partner gets a fever. A fever causes his body temperature to rise all over his body, scrotum included, where it gets too hot for proper sperm production, and even too hot for some of the little guys that are already ready and waiting. Because sperm production takes a long time, the dip in quantity and quality could potentially last for a couple of months. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but rather something to be aware of and to let your doctors know if you’re undergoing treatment.
What facts have you learned on your fertility journey that have surprised you? Let me know in the comments and we can keep this list growing!