If you're on the trying-to-conceive journey, you've probably been hit with a tidal wave of advice — some helpful, some... not so much. Friends, family, and the internet all have opinions about fertility, and honestly, it's hard to know what's actually true. We're here to walk through some of the most common fertility myths together and see what the science really says.
What Are the Most Common Fertility Myths?
We've pulled together seven myths about getting pregnant that you've likely heard again and again. Many of them started as old wives' tales or came from someone's personal experience — but they aren't backed by scientific evidence, so you can safely set them aside.
And of course, your doctor is always your best resource if you have questions along the way. They can give you guidance that's tailored to your unique situation.
1. The Pill Can Harm Fertility
This is one we hear all the time — the worry that taking birth control pills could somehow damage your fertility down the road. It's understandable why this belief took hold. When hormonal birth control first hit the market, there wasn't a lot of transparency about how it worked or what the side effects were.
That early lack of openness planted seeds of mistrust that still linger today — but the good news is that the research tells a much more reassuring story. So please don't let this myth keep you from using birth control when it's right for you.
Here's what the research actually says: taking birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives won't affect your ability to conceive later on. A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that around 83% of women1 who stopped hormonal contraception conceived within 12 months. If you're having trouble getting pregnant after stopping birth control, it's more likely a sign of an underlying fertility issue — not something the pill caused.
2. You Should Lie Flat When Trying To Conceive
You may have heard that you need to lie flat on your back during or after sex to boost your chances of conceiving. We totally get why this one sounds like it could be true — but there really isn't any scientific evidence behind it. Sperm reach the fallopian tubes within just a few minutes, no matter what position you're in or what you do afterward. So go ahead and do whatever feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you and your partner — no special gymnastics required.
3. It's Easy For Most Women To Get Pregnant
Scrolling through social media, it can feel like everyone around you is announcing a pregnancy effortlessly. But here's the thing — most people don't share the struggles that happened behind the scenes. You rarely hear about infertility in everyday conversation, and that silence has fuelled this myth that conceiving is simple for everyone.
The reality? Infertility is far more common than you might think. According to the CDC, among married women aged 15–49 with no prior births, approximately 19%2 have difficulty getting pregnant after a year of trying. Across the broader population of reproductive-age women, around one in eight report impaired fecundity. If this has been your experience, please know — you are absolutely not alone.
4. Stress Causes Infertility
This is one of those myths that actually has a grain of truth to it, which is why you may find it especially tricky to shake. Research does suggest there may be some links between high stress levels and fertility challenges, so your instinct to take it seriously isn't unreasonable.
To give you a sense of the evidence: take one study that measured women's stress levels using salivary alpha-amylase — an enzyme that serves as a biomarker for stress — as they tried to conceive. Higher stress levels were associated with a longer time to conceive3, though that doesn't necessarily mean stress is causing your own timeline to stretch.
But here's where it gets complicated — it's a bit of a chicken-or-egg situation. Were these women having difficulty conceiving because they were stressed, or were they stressed because conception wasn't happening as quickly as they hoped? Right now, there simply isn't enough evidence to say that stress directly causes infertility. We know that trying to start a family can be incredibly stressful, and while taking care of your mental health is always important, everyday levels of stress are unlikely to stand in the way of getting pregnant.
5. Women Can't Get Pregnant After 35
If there's one fertility myth that causes you the most anxiety, it might be this one — and we understand why. Pregnancies after 35 are often called "geriatric pregnancies" (not exactly a comforting term to hear from your provider!), and they do carry some additional risk4.
But that absolutely does not mean pregnancy after 35 is impossible. As of 2016, in the US, 22.3% of births occurred in women over the age of 355 — a dramatic increase from just 6.2% in 1980. That's a huge number of healthy babies being born every year to women over 35! Everyone's fertility journey looks different, so if you're past 35, please don't lose hope.
6. Age Doesn't Impact Male Fertility
Fertility conversations tend to focus almost entirely on women, but here's something that often gets overlooked — men's fertility matters too. If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving, you'll want to look at both sides of the equation.
You might have heard that male fertility stays the same no matter what age a man is, but that's not quite the full picture. While men can produce sperm throughout their lives, sperm quality does tend to decline over time. Research suggests that for men aged 40 and over, the chance of conceiving within a year may be roughly half that of men under 25, after adjusting for the woman’s age and other factors.6
7. It's Easy to Get Pregnant the Second Time
And finally, there's this idea that once you've had one baby, the second one will happen easily. For some families that's true — but for many others, it's not. Your body changes over time, and your fertility can shift along with it. Secondary infertility affects approximately 11% of couples7 in some research studies, so if you're finding it harder the second time around, you're in good company. The encouraging news is that secondary infertility tends to have a somewhat better prognosis8 than primary infertility, partly because a higher proportion of cases involve treatable conditions like ovulation disorders, so there's a really good chance that you and your doctor can find a path forward together.
| Common Myth | What People Believe | What Research Suggests | Key Statistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Control Causes Lasting Infertility | Hormonal contraceptives permanently damage fertility or delay conception for months. | Research shows fertility typically returns within 1–3 menstrual cycles after stopping hormonal contraceptives; no permanent damage occurs. | 83.1% of women conceive within 12 months of stopping birth control. |
| Sexual Position Determines Conception | Certain positions increase conception chances; missionary position is more effective. | Research suggests position has minimal impact on conception rates. Timing of intercourse within the fertile window matters far more than position. | Fertile window timing is the dominant factor; position alone does not significantly affect fertility outcomes. |
| Getting Pregnant Is Easy for Everyone | Most people conceive within one cycle; if you don't, something is wrong. | Conception takes time for many couples; fertility varies widely. Research shows approximately 1 in 5 couples take longer than expected to conceive. | Up to 19% of married nulliparous women struggle to conceive after 1 year; the broader population rate is around 13%. |
| Stress Doesn't Affect Fertility | Mental health is separate from reproductive health; worrying won't impact your ability to conceive. | Research indicates chronic stress may be associated with longer time to conception and affect ovulation patterns. However, everyday stress is unlikely to prevent pregnancy on its own. Stress management supports overall wellbeing. | Higher stress levels measured by biomarkers are associated with longer time to conception in some studies. |
| Fertility Drops Off a Cliff at 35 | Female fertility is fine until age 35, then suddenly becomes impossible. | Fertility declines gradually with age. While decline accelerates after 35, many women conceive successfully in their late 30s and 40s. Age is one factor among many. | 22.3% of births occur to women over 35; pregnancy remains achievable with optimised health. |
| Male Age Doesn't Matter | Men can father children at any age without changes to fertility. | Research shows male fertility declines with age. Sperm quality, motility, and chromosomal health may decline in men over 40, affecting conception rates. | Research suggests men over 40 may have roughly half the chance of conceiving within a year compared to men under 25. |
| Second Pregnancy Is Always Easy | If you conceived easily the first time, the second pregnancy will be just as simple. | Secondary infertility is surprisingly common. Changes in health, age, lifestyle, or reproductive factors can affect second conception differently from the first. | Secondary infertility occurs in some research studies, affecting couples despite easy first conception. |
Supporting Your Fertility: Health Information & Resources
So now that we've separated fact from fiction, what can you actually do? Rather than worrying about myths, partner with your doctor to build a plan that supports your health throughout your fertility journey. And if you'd like to learn more, we've got a whole library of articles and resources on fertility nutrition and conception support.
FertilitySmart offers fertility supplements formulated with nutrients discussed in current research for both women and men. These products are designed with research-informed ingredients to support your reproductive health as part of a comprehensive approach to conception. Explore our range of evidence-based fertility supplements formulated with the nutrients discussed in this guide, and choose what fits your needs.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Fertility is a complex medical topic influenced by many individual factors. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider, including a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist, before starting any new supplement regimen or making changes to your fertility plan. The information presented reflects current research evidence but does not replace personalised medical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lying down after sex help you get pregnant?
There is no strong scientific evidence that lying flat after intercourse improves conception rates. Sperm reach the fallopian tubes within minutes of ejaculation regardless of position. While some clinicians suggest resting briefly for comfort, research doesn't support this as a fertility-enhancing strategy.
Can you get pregnant naturally after 40?
Yes. While fertility does decline with age — particularly after 35 — many women conceive naturally in their late 30s and 40s. As of 2016, 22.3% of births occurred to women over 35. Optimising your health, tracking ovulation, and working with a healthcare provider can all support conception at older ages.
Does stress actually cause infertility?
Research suggests a correlation between chronic stress and longer time to conception, but the relationship is complex and not yet fully understood. Some studies show associations between stress biomarkers and time-to-pregnancy, but this doesn't mean everyday stress directly prevents conception. Managing stress supports overall wellbeing and may indirectly support fertility health. Talk to your healthcare provider about stress management strategies that work for your situation.
How long does it normally take to get pregnant?
For healthy couples having regular unprotected intercourse, approximately 80–90% conceive within 12 months. Among married nulliparous women, around 19% don't conceive after one year of trying; the broader population figure is lower (around 13%). Factors including age, cycle regularity, and underlying health conditions influence timelines. If you haven't conceived after 12 months (or 6 months if over 35), talk to your doctor.
Does male age affect fertility?
Yes. Although men produce sperm throughout life, sperm quality — including motility, morphology, and DNA integrity — declines with age. Research suggests that for men over 40, the chance of conceiving within a year may be roughly half that of men under 25, after accounting for the woman's age. Both partners' ages are important factors in your reproductive planning.
Is it true that certain foods or diets can cure infertility?
No single food or diet can cure infertility. However, research from the Harvard Nurses' Health Study and other large cohorts suggests that dietary patterns rich in whole grains, healthy fats, and antioxidants can support reproductive health. Nutrition is one modifiable factor among many, and a balanced diet works best alongside medical guidance.
References
- Girum, Tadele, and Abebaw Wasie. "Return of Fertility after Discontinuation of Contraception: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, vol. 3, no. 1, 23 July 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-018-0064-y.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Infertility." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/i.htm.
- Lynch, C.D., et al. "Preconception Stress Increases the Risk of Infertility: Results from a Couple-Based Prospective Cohort Study—the LIFE Study." Human Reproduction, vol. 29, no. 5, May 2014, pp. 1067–1075, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deu032.
- Frederiksen, L.E., et al. "Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes at Advanced Maternal Age." Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 131, no. 3, Mar. 2018, pp. 457–463, https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002504.
- Heazell, Alexander E.P., et al. "Pregnancy Outcome in Mothers over the Age of 35." Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, vol. 30, no. 6, Dec. 2018, pp. 337–343, https://doi.org/10.1097/gco.0000000000000494.
- Ford, W.C.L. "Increasing Paternal Age Is Associated with Delayed Conception in a Large Population of Fertile Couples: Evidence for Declining Fecundity in Older Men." Human Reproduction, vol. 15, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2000, pp. 1703–1708, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.8.1703. Accessed 19 Apr. 2020.
- Katib, Atif Abdulhamid, et al. "Secondary Infertility and the Aging Male, Overview." Central European Journal of Urology, vol. 67, no. 2, 2014, https://doi.org/10.5173/ceju.2014.02.art13.
- Collins, John J, et al. The Better Prognosis in Secondary Infertility Is Associated with a Higher Proportion of Ovulation Disorders. Vol. 45, no. 5, 1 May 1986, pp. 611–616, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(16)49330-1. Accessed 18 July 2023.
Marina Carter
Fertility Health Writer at FertilitySmart
Marina Carter is a specialist health writer with nearly a decade of experience in reproductive health, fertility nutrition, and evidence-based conception support. She has authored over 30 in-depth articles for FertilitySmart, translating peer-reviewed research into clear, practical guidance to support you and your partner on your fertility journey. Read full bio →