To speak of human reproduction is to enter a field where biology, emotions and cultural beliefs are often intertwined. Over time, this mixture has given rise to a number of ideas that, although popular, do not always match what medical science knows today about fertility.
These beliefs do not usually arise with bad intentions. Some have been passed down for generations; others respond to attempts to explain the unknown. However, when talking about reproductive health, having clear and up-to-date information is key to making conscious decisions and accompanying processes in a more humane and realistic way.
Therefore, it is important to understand in greater depth how fertility really works and which aspects are decisive from a medical point of view.
Fertility is not visible to the naked eye
One of the most widespread ideas is that fertility can be judged by external cues: physical appearance, sexual desire, or past experiences. In reality, the factors that determine fertility – in men and women – do not always manifest themselves in the obvious.
For example, a man may be in good physical condition and have alterations in sperm quality without noticing any symptoms. Similarly, a woman with regular menstrual cycles could have a condition such as endometriosis or low ovarian reserve, with no visible signs.
That is why the only way to clearly know reproductive health is through specific studies, such as spermograms, anti-Müllerian hormone, ultrasounds with follicle counts, hormonal tests and other medical tests. Basing our perceptions only on what is seen can lead to wrong conclusions.
Fertility is changing
There is a belief that if a person has already had children, their fertility remains intact. However, fertility changes over time. Factors such as age, certain diseases, surgeries, infections or lifestyle habits can have a significant influence, even in people who in the past did not have difficulty conceiving.
This is one of the reasons why many couples consult for difficulties in achieving a second pregnancy. Far from being a strange situation, it is a phenomenon known as secondary fertility, and it has specific medical approaches. Understanding this opens up new diagnostic and treatment possibilities.
It’s not about strength or will
Sometimes, difficulty conceiving is attributed to emotional aspects, such as stress or anxiety. And while emotional state does influence overall well-being, fertility is a physiological function that depends primarily on specific medical conditions.
Therefore, it is not useful to think that a person “will get pregnant when they relax” or that fertility is just a matter of “wanting” or “trying more”. This idea, while well-intentioned, can create unnecessary pressure and divert attention from critical clinical trials to understand what is going on.
Fertility problems are gender-neutral
Another common assumption is that fertility problems are exclusive to women, or that men, by nature, are always fertile. The truth is that male fertility can also be affected by multiple factors, such as hormonal alterations, unhealthy habits, medical conditions or cellular aging.
In doctors’ offices, it is becoming increasingly clear that fertility is a shared issue. The ideal approach considers both members of the couple, in order to make a complete diagnosis and establish an appropriate treatment. Thinking in terms of “blame” or “individual responsibilities” is not only unnecessary, but clinically unproductive.
Transforming the gaze, opening up knowledge
Reproductive medicine advances every year. Many of the ideas that were previously held due to lack of information now have new explanations and new treatment alternatives. Therefore, fertility education does not only mean debunking myths, but also inviting a different conversation: more data-driven, more open to what is not seen and more respectful of personal experiences.
At Fertivida , we believe that every story deserves to be understood in its context. And that the best way to accompany is to provide useful, clear and human information. Because when the word becomes care, it can also be part of the healing process.
