Fake news and fertility
There is so much fake news doing the rounds when it comes to fertility. We asked Dr Merwyn Jacobson to separate some myths and facts for us.
STATEMENT: BABY OIL AND LUBRICANTS HAVE AN EFFECT ON FERTILITY.
True or not? All petroleum-based lubricants can indeed have an effect on the motility or survival of sperm.
STATEMENT: SPERM LIVES FOR THREE DAYS ONLY.
True or not? In a healthy environment, sperm can live for three to four days.
STATEMENT: IF YOU URINATE AFTER HAVING SEX IT WILL PREVENT PREGNANCY.
True or not? Fake news! This isn’t true at all.
STATEMENT: WOMEN CAN’T FALL PREGNANT DURING THEIR PERIOD. True or not? This is most likely the case. Menstruation is an indication that the egg that was released during the previous cycle was not fertilised. That is why hormonal changes caused the lining of the womb to loosen. The lining will be built up again in preparation for an egg in the next cycle.
STATEMENT: STRESS CAUSES INFERTILITY
True or not? Stress most likely worsens the factors that are associated with infertility. As an isolated factor, it is unlikely that stress alone will lead to infertility.
STATEMENT: IF YOU BATH AFTER HAVING SEX IT WASHES THE SPERM AWAY.
True or not? For some women, water can enter the vagina during a bath. This could have an effect on the concentration, motility and survival of the sperm.
STATEMENT: ORGASMS MAKE WOMEN RELEASE EGG CELLS. True or not? There is a very sophisticated relationship between hormones and the physical functioning of the egg cell unit when it comes to the release of eggs. Orgasms can be accompanied with an increase in pelvic congestion. The change in blood supply and the mechanical activity of sex can affect the process. There has to be a mature egg present that is ready to be released for an orgasm to have any kind of effect.
STATEMENT: INFERTILITY IS MOSTLY A WOMAN’S PROBLEM True or not? Fake news! It looks as if the cause of infertility can be found with the man, in up to 40 percent of cases. In approximately 35 percent of cases, the problem lies with the woman, in 20 percent of cases it is a result of a combination of problems, and for the rest it is impossible to say accurately what the problem is. ●