Conception: Myth or Reality?

Conception: Myth or Reality?
If you are a parent trying to conceive, you are probably aware of the huge number of myths and old wives' tales that exist on this subject. Everybody you know is ready to offer you their two cents of wisdom and do not shy away from recommending a particular position or a particular recipe or tonic. Amidst this cacophony of myths and half-truths, we have debunked some of the most common ones that you might come across. 


Common myths about conception


1. Orgasm is an absolute necessity

orgasm for conception?

(Via Giphy)

Believe it or not, this is a myth.

Well, an orgasm does help in the process of female uterus contraction, thus helping sperms travel faster to the fallopian tubes. However, even without climaxing during intercourse, you may get pregnant as long as the male ejaculates. Having said that, we do see the various merits associated with the big O. 


2. Cough Syrup helps in conception

Surprise! This is a myth as well.

You might have heard the funny factoid that cough syrups contain guaifenesin, a component that helps in thinning cervical muscles, thus increasing chances of pregnancy. While this might sound true in all its absurdity, let us tell you that no clinical study has yet proven the effectiveness of guaifenesin as pregnancy booster. Moreover, cough syrups contain antihistamines that might actually act to the contrary.


3. Placing an ice pack over the male organ increases sperm count

cold
(Via Giphy) 

Needless to say, this is a myth as well.

Although it is clinically proven that male fertility shows signs of decrease at hotter temperatures, an inordinate amount of exposure to extremely high temperatures is required to show any tangible amount of decrease in sperm count. Thus, five minutes of an ice pack will have no effect other than leaving you cold. 

 Some facts about conception

Now that we have debunked the myths, let us also look at some hard facts regarding conception.

 

1. Booze hurts your chances of pregnancy

booze gif

(Via Giphy) 

This one, unfortunately, is a fact.

While a glass of wine or two will not rob you off the chance of having a baby, it is true that with heavy drinking a woman's ovulating cycle becomes irregular. This, in turn, makes getting pregnant that much harder.

 

2. You can get pregnant in any position

This one is a fact as well.

Although a number of self-proclaimed experts might tell you that doing it the missionary way is the only way to get pregnant, do not believe them. There has been no conclusive study to support this claim. In fact some researchers debunk this claim stating that pregnancy chances do not differ appreciably due to changes in positions.

3. If you are relaxed, your chances of conceiving increase

Myth vs reality about conception

(Via Giphy) 

Although it might sound like pseudo-science, this is a fact.

The underlying reason is that, if your mind is in a relaxed state, so is your body. Thus, physiological functions are regular and your ovulation cycles are not affected. Needless to say, if you are ovulating regularly there are better chances of getting pregnant.


There indeed are a number of sayings one comes across about pregnancy and it is difficult to separate the facts from the myths. We would like to conclude by saying that it is advisable to contact fertility clinics if you are looking for advice. Old wives' tales and unfounded myths will essentially take you nowhere.

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