If you are a woman who is experiencing what you think are reproductive challenges, or you?ve already been given the diagnosis of infertility from your OB/GYN, then it?s important for you to separate the facts from the fiction when it comes to the causes of infertility in women.  After all, if you find yourself believing something that is not true or not applicable in your case, you may wind up wasting precious time ignoring the real problems.

 

So what are those common myths when it comes to the causes of infertility in women?  And better yet, what is the truth about those beliefs?  Let?s examine a few here.

 

Myth:  It?s all in your head.

 

This myth may have developed over the years as some couples have dealt with infertility for some time, and then eventually were able to conceive on their own.  Others may view this as a reason to believe that reproductive problems are simply stress related or that a couple is being overly sensitive to their situation.  Yes, stress and such things can be pinpointed as one of the causes of infertility in women, but it certainly is not the only cause, and not even the most common!

 

Advances in modern science that can plainly pinpoint different problems with a man?s or a woman?s reproductive system should have squelched this myth years ago, but unfortunately it seems to continue to thrive.  Despite the abilities we have to look deep into the body?s reproductive system and find even the smallest of defects which can be one of the causes of infertility in women, some still think it?s simply a mental challenge.

 

Myth:  Miscarriage is a common cause of infertility in women.

 

First of all, it?s important to remember that in most cases of miscarriage, there was nothing the woman could have done to prevent it.  Rarely is it ever caused by stress, overworking, and the like.

 

It?s also important to remember that miscarriage itself is really not a cause of infertility of women; most doctors regard it as simply a possible symptom of a larger problem.  Many miscarriages that are caused by such things as exposure to environmental and workplace hazards, such as high levels of radiation, hormonal problems, uterine abnormalities, incompetent cervix, and severe medical conditions can be considered a symptom, as these are some of the common causes of infertility in women as well.

 

Myth:  If you?ve already had a baby, you?re not infertile.

 

Secondary infertility is the term used by doctors to describe the condition of a couple having problems conceiving even after they?ve already had a child, so this is something that is rather common.  Some causes of infertility in women don?t manifest itself until after a pregnancy or even more than one, so again, this is simply an untrue statement.

 

Any woman who is truly concerned about her own reproductive issues should address this with her doctor, and her doctor alone.  Being led along by these myths regarding the causes of infertility in women is dangerous and certainly wastes valuable time, money, and emotional energy.

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