7 Conception myths busted by science

When you are planning to have a baby, you would have probably chanced upon strange hearsay, old wives’ tales and even some Internet fodder. The problem is that many of these conception myths would not necessarily be true.

But if you are hoping to get pregnant real soon, it’s up to you whether you want to dismiss these myths or take them for real. But here’s the actual truth that will bust the seven most popular Asian conception myths that couples have encountered.

Lying with a pillow under your hips

The myth: It is believed that gravity will help the sperm do their job. Some conception myths say that if a woman places a pillow under her hips (to tilt the pelvis) after sex, the sperms can easily slide into the cervix.

The fact: There is no scientific proof to this position increasing the odds of conceiving. That’s because millions of sperms swim their way up to the fallopian tubes naturally.

In addition, some experts say that staying in bed in that position would keep the semen inside the vagina. So if you feel that it would ensure that every last sperm has a fighting chance, then please go ahead. But if you don’t have the time, don’t stress. Studies suggest there is a link between stress and infertility, which affects sperm count and ovulation periods. Go easy and be patient!

Using a lubricant

The myth: Lubricants such as gels are said to help the sperm travel easily to the cervix.

The fact: While mucus-like substances such as gels are necessary to help move the sperm into cervix, only the natural cervical mucus is the one to trust. It is the best lubricant for a sperm.

Chemically prepared lubricants can interfere with the pH levels of the vaginal tract, thereby, making it inhospitable for the sperm to travel. It can even kill some of the best swimmers. So it’s better to avoid using lubricants, if possible.

Drinking green tea

The myth: Since green tea is not fermented, it is able to retain an important molecule called polyphenols. This gives green tea its ability to lose weight, treat stomach disorders, solid tumour cancers. This molecule also helps to prevent cellular damage to reproductive organs and might make eggs more viable.

The fact: Green tea contains antioxidants that protect cells in a woman’s body from endometriosis. This is a disease where the tissue found in the uterine cavity spreads to other parts of the body. These antioxidants also prevent the growth of stray uterus cells in the body. So green tea basically prevents endometriosis which leads to infertility rather than boosting fertility.

In addition, large amounts of green tea decrease the effectiveness of folic acid, which is a crucial nutrient for pre-pregnancy preparation. Our take? Drink in moderation.

Drinking cough syrup

The myth: Certain cough syrups contain a chemical called Guaifenesin which thins the mucus in the lung. Guaifenesin also helps to thin the cervix lining which in turn results in easy plantation of the sperms.

The fact: There is no study to back this up. Although, Guaifenesin is sometimes prescribed for women who are suffering from infertility, it is not a sureshot method to get pregnant. So before you decide to start consuming cough syrup unnecessarily, consult a medical practitioner.

Having sex in certain positions

The myth: Some old wives’ tales believe that certain sex positions such as the missionary position, doggy-style and spooning position increase the odds of conception. These positions allow deep penetration, thereby, helping the sperm to reach the cervix. This gives them a better chance to reach the egg.

The fact: There is no studies to back up this claim explicitly. However, a missionary position might help deeper penetration. But experts say that your cervical mucus is enough to help the best swimmers do their job.

If you are not into trying new things, stick to what you know best!

Woman reaching a climax

The myth: Medically speaking, when a woman experiences orgasm, the uterine contractions caused by the action propel the sperm to quickly move into the cervix. This moves them almost immediately toward the fallopian tubes.

The fact: While an orgasm is not a bad thing and it can in fact, help move the sperm in the egg’s direction, you don’t really need to depend on it. In a study called the Shettles Method of ovulation, it was suggested that both partners must time their climax to conceive a boy.

While it says that you need to increase the frequency of having sex to conceive a girl.

It concluded to say that to conceive a boy, the woman should have an orgasm and to conceive a girl, the woman should not have an orgasm because orgasm increases alkaline secretions in the vaginal tract, which may favour boy sperm.

Having daily sex

The myth: Some studies state that having sex daily increases the chances of fertility and conception.

The fact: This study states that sexually active women had higher levels of cytokines. These molecules help reduce the "foreignness” of sperm or embryos, and the likelihood that the body will attack them. But this study does not follow how many of the 30 women actually got pregnant. So it cannot be called a substantial study. Experts suggest that couples should do what works best for them, and not get too stressed up over wanting to conceive, as stress levels can affect moods and pleasure.

In fact, knowing when you are ovulating can help increase chances of getting pregnant. Read this to find out the 12 ways of knowing if you are ovulating.

Have you heard of other fertility myths too? Do share in the Comment box below.

Republished with permission from: theIndusparent

Read: Getting pregnant: Are you ready for a second child?

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