Fertility Myths

Fertility Myths

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January 18, 2025•5 min read

Fertility is a deeply personal journey, often clouded by confusion and misinformation. Myths about fertility cause stress and make it harder for couples to understand their situation fully. A holistic perspective provides a more confident, informed path forward. 

Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a board-certified naturopathic doctor specializing in fertility, highlights the importance of addressing root causes to support fertility naturally. By implementing personalized, holistic strategies, couples can approach their fertility journey with clarity, confidence, and a greater chance of success.

 

Some Myths or Misunderstandings About Fertility

There are many myths surrounding fertility that lead to fear, frustration, and feelings of uncertainty for those trying to conceive. These misconceptions can hold people back from taking control of their fertility. By breaking down these myths, we can help shift the conversation from doubt to empowerment, giving individuals the information they need to make confident decisions.

 

Myth 1: Fertility Drops Off a Cliff at 35

A common myth suggests that women’s fertility suddenly drops at age 35, but this belief is based on outdated ideas, not modern science. While fertility does decline with age, it is a gradual process, and factors like biological health and lifestyle choices play a much more significant role than age alone.

Many women feel pressured by the myth that fertility sharply decreases with age. However, understanding that fertility is influenced by overall health, not a strict timeline, can bring relief and a sense of control. Optimizing biological health, or how the body truly functions, can support fertility into the 40s, making age less of a limiting factor.

This shift in perspective empowers individuals to focus on health and well-being rather than feeling rushed by age-related concerns.

 

Myth 2: Male Fertility Is Less Important Than Female Fertility

A common misconception is that infertility is mainly a woman’s issue. In reality, male factors contribute to about half of infertility cases. Factors like sperm morphology, DNA fragmentation, and lifestyle choices play a significant role in fertility, yet men are often overlooked in evaluations and treatment plans.

Male fertility is just as important as female fertility. Issues such as poor sperm quality or DNA integrity can affect fertility outcomes, including recurrent pregnancy loss. Despite this, many men are left uncertain about how to contribute to the fertility process.

The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Men can improve fertility by addressing factors like diet, exposure to environmental toxins, and habits such as tech use. For example:

  • Eliminate Fragrances: Avoid products with phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and opt for natural alternatives.

  • Improve Diet: A vegetable-rich diet, including fermented foods, supports fertility and gut health.

  • Tech Hygiene: Keep phones out of your pockets and laptops off laps to reduce heat and electromagnetic exposure.

 

Importance of Circadian Rhythm for Fertility

The circadian rhythm is our body’s internal clock that helps control when we sleep and wake up. It also affects important hormones like melatonin, cortisol, and reproductive hormones, which are crucial for fertility. When our daily habits align with the natural light and dark cycles of the day, it helps keep our hormones balanced and supports our overall health. Disrupting this rhythm, like having irregular sleep patterns or too much artificial light at night, can interfere with fertility by affecting hormone levels and sleep quality.

  • Morning Sunlight for Hormonal Boost: Getting sunlight in the morning, especially within 30 minutes of waking up, is essential for boosting cortisol and regulating energy. For men, it also helps increase testosterone levels, which are important for fertility. Morning sunlight helps kickstart the body’s natural rhythms and sets a healthy tone for the rest of the day.

  • Reducing Blue Light in the Evening: In the evening, it’s helpful to avoid screens like phones, tablets, and computers. The light from these devices can stop the body from making melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep. Melatonin also helps control other hormones related to fertility. To improve sleep, try turning off devices at least an hour before bed or using special filters that reduce blue light.

  • Sleep’s Role in Fertility: Getting enough quality sleep is essential for fertility. During sleep, the body repairs and restores itself, which is important for healthy eggs and sperm. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support fertility and overall health. Good sleep helps maintain hormonal balance and allows the body to function at its best.

By following these natural rhythms, such as getting sunlight in the morning, reducing blue light at night, and prioritizing sleep, we can improve fertility and overall well-being. Creating this balance in our daily habits sets the stage for better health and a higher chance of conception.

 

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Know the status of your fertility health. Take our FREE Fertility Quiz now: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ 

Fulfill your dream of a family. Know your best options for a healthy pregnancy: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs 

Boost Employee Productivity by Investing in their Fertility Health. Check out our Corporate Wellness program and know the benefits it can bring to your company: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/corporate-wellness 

 

 

Dr. Aumatma Simmons is the creator of The Restorative Fertility Method, host of the Top 5% Egg Meets Sperm Podcast, and a two-time best-selling author. Dr. Simmons has been featured on ABC, FOX, and CBS and has trained hundreds of practitioners in holistic fertility. She is the founder of Madre Fertility and medical advisor for Mira Fertility, Element, and Feminade.

Resources:

Website: https://holisticfertilityinstitute.com   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aumatma/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticfertilitydoctor 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAumatmaNd/ 

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

By listening to the Health Youniversity podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition for yourself or others. Consult your healthcare provider for any medical issues you may have. This entire disclaimer also pertains to any guests or contributors to any Health Youniversity podcast.

 

I am a women’s health expert with a specialty in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenges for more than 20 years. I look forward to helping you realize your dream of family. I’m also a mother, a sister, a friend. I live in beautiful Northern California, where the nature of Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are my backyard. Traditional Chinese Medicine discovered me in 1978, when I was struggling with digestive complaints that flummoxed medical doctors. It wasn’t until I received my first acupuncture treatment and herbal prescription that I connected my medical condition to grief over loss of a loved one; that the stress of holding in such huge emotions was literally tying me up in knots, and I was finally able to heal. Discovering the powerful links between the physical, the mental, the emotional, the spiritual, and the environmental shifted my understanding of health and wellness forever. For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of learning and implementing Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine to understand the root causes of health conditions and realize optimal health and well-being. I am a strong believer in the importance of health education, for knowledge is power when you have the tools for effective self care.

Dr. Susan Fox

I am a women’s health expert with a specialty in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenges for more than 20 years. I look forward to helping you realize your dream of family. I’m also a mother, a sister, a friend. I live in beautiful Northern California, where the nature of Mt. Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are my backyard. Traditional Chinese Medicine discovered me in 1978, when I was struggling with digestive complaints that flummoxed medical doctors. It wasn’t until I received my first acupuncture treatment and herbal prescription that I connected my medical condition to grief over loss of a loved one; that the stress of holding in such huge emotions was literally tying me up in knots, and I was finally able to heal. Discovering the powerful links between the physical, the mental, the emotional, the spiritual, and the environmental shifted my understanding of health and wellness forever. For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of learning and implementing Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine to understand the root causes of health conditions and realize optimal health and well-being. I am a strong believer in the importance of health education, for knowledge is power when you have the tools for effective self care.

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