It’s common for Filipinos to have lots of myths surrounding fertility. These infertility myths include the effects of female masturbation, and even drinking matcha tea. Does matcha cause infertility? Does female masturbation cause infertility? In this article, we discussed how true these claims and other infertility myths are.
Infertility myths: Matcha infertility
Does matcha cause infertility? Matcha is becoming popular in this generation. Ranging from matcha shots to matcha teas, lattes, and even desserts. It has now been part of most Filipino’s pick on the menu of coffee shops and health stores. But if you are trying to conceive, maybe you heard about one of those infertility myths concerning matcha. Can matcha cause infertility?
Matcha infertility: Does matcha cause infertility?
According to acupunctureindelray.com, matcha causing infertility is just a myth because matcha can actually boost fertility. Does matcha cause infertility? It’s actually the opposite.
It is stated on the said website that drinking matcha is a good option for women who are trying to get pregnant. Matcha has an antioxidant property that reduces the formation of free radicals. It helps in protecting the DNA in our cells. As it protects the DNA, it also protects the egg supply of a woman trying to conceive.
Aside from that, drinking matcha green tea is also effective in reducing sperm abnormalities. So, matcha can help not only women but also men.
These claims are also stated on the matcha.com website. According to matcha.com, matcha contains catechins. It is an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals in the body.
Maybe you are asking what are these free radicals and why eradicating them is essential. Then here’s the answer to your question: Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage the DNA and our cells. When it damages the cells, it may result in a decrease in sperm function and sperm motility in men. And in women, these free radicals affect the egg quality.
So, the answer to the question, can matcha cause infertility is a big NO! It actually helps your body to protect your cells for a higher chance of fertility. How about female masturbation? Does it also affect fertility?
Does female masturbation cause infertility
One of the many infertility myths that you may hear is that female masturbation cause infertility. And again, like the myth about matcha and infertility, this myth is just a myth and there is no proof that this is true.
According to Healthline, female masturbation does not affect a woman’s fertility. Actually, whatever your gender, age, and genitals are, masturbation will never affect your ability to conceive.
Masturbation both in men and women can be beneficial and pleasurable. Masturbation is pleasurable and distressing. Why? Because when you are masturbating, your body is releasing a healthy number of hormones.
In masturbating, your body releases dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, testosterone, and prolactin hormones.
The dopamine hormone is related to the brain’s reward system, which is why this hormone is called the “happiness hormone.”
So, yes, masturbating can make you happy!
Moreover, endorphins act as a natural pain reliever. This hormone is responsible for reducing your stress and boosting your positive mood. Additionally, oxytocin, or the “love hormone” is associated with social bonding. It can also give you a positive mood and energy.
On the other hand, testosterone can improve stamina and arousal while prolactin plays a role in lactation. Furthermore, the prolactin hormone also affects your mood and boosts your immune system.
Other infertility myths
To increase the chance of getting pregnant, all you need to do is lay with your feet up and raise your hips after sex.
According to Bridge Clinic, this is not true. There is no scientific proof for that claim and healthy sperm are good at swimming toward the egg, no matter what position you do during and after sex.
You need to relax to get pregnant
This is true if the cause of your infertility is chronic stress. Relaxing could help you conceive. However, people need to understand that not all infertility is caused by chronic stress. And infertility is a medical condition. It cannot be fixed by just thinking positively.
Fertility is a woman’s issue
This myth is obviously just a myth because it takes a man and a woman to make a baby. Infertility does not only affect women but also men.
If you had a previous pregnancy, you don’t have to worry about infertility
No. Not because you already had a child or children, it means that you will not be affected by infertility anymore. Secondary infertility refers to infertility that happens to a couple who already has a child and cannot get pregnant again.
Your health has no connection with fertility
It’s another infertility myth that needs to be debunked. According to an OB-GYN in California, as stated in the Healthline article, having a healthy lifestyle really helps address infertility issues. Moreover, it is important to live healthily and to know your own body before planning to have a baby.
Tips to boost fertility
Here are some tips that you can do to boost fertility in a natural way:
- Eat healthy fats every day. This is good not only to boost fertility but also for your overall health. Avoid consuming trans fats because it is linked to an increased risk of ovulatory infertility. Refrain from eating food with hydrogenated vegetable oils. Avoid margarine, fried foods, baked goods, and processed products.
- If you have PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome, it is best to avoid too many carbs. Follow a lower-carb eating plan to maintain your healthy weight and encourage fat loss. This is also helpful to have regular menstruation.
- Eat fiber-rich foods. This helps your body to eliminate excess hormones and balance your blood sugar levels. According to Healthline, the daily recommended fiber intake for women is 25 grams per day and for men, 31 grams of fiber.
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Take multivitamins. Multivitamins contain micronutrients that have essential roles in fertility. Consult your doctor and ask for their recommendations regarding what multivitamins are best for your condition.
- Iron supplements are essential. Taking an iron supplement may decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility. But be careful in consuming iron. Ask your doctor’s advice first to make sure that your body needs more iron. Too much iron is also not okay for your health.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and cut down your caffeine intake. Alcohol consumption has negative effects on fertility, according to Healthline. In addition, limit your caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee a day.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight or overweight are both associated with increased infertility. For women, the amount of fat stored in the body affects menstrual function. Thus, it may also affect ovulation. Furthermore, whether you are a man or a woman, it is best to work with your healthcare provider to maintain a healthy weight. Having a healthy weight may increase the chance of getting pregnant.
- As what is stated above, there are cases where infertility is caused by chronic stress. If you are trying to get pregnant and you are stressed, it is best to find ways to avoid your stressors. Take time to relax. You may also get support and counseling to reduce stress and anxiety.
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