Vim & Vigor - Spring 2018 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 55

have misconceptions about fertility
and pregnancy.
Here is some much-needed insight
into what it takes to get pregnant,
tackling a few common myths and
uncovering the facts behind them.

MYTH #1: Your period is
irrelevant.

While a regular menstrual cycle is
typically 28 days, most cycles may not
fit into this schedule. It is completely
normal to start a few days early or
last a few days longer. However, if
your cycle varies and is somewhat
unpredictable, this may make getting
pregnant more difficult.
It's not only about timing. The
intensity of your period can shed
some light into what's going on. For
instance, if you are experiencing a
heavy menstrual flow, you may have
high amounts of progesterone, and
if it's really light, you may not have
enough estrogen. Both of which can
impact pregnancy.

PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

MYTH #2: Your biological
clock isn't ticking.

Now, this isn't to say that you should
rush to get pregnant before you reach
a certain age, but it is important to
recognize that it does get harder as you
get older. This applies to all women,
because you are born with all of the eggs
you will have in your lifetime-1 million
to 2 million-and every month you lose
about 1,000 eggs. The older you get, the
fewer viable eggs you have.
To give you an idea of what this
means-it is estimated that only
7 percent of women in their 20s have
difficulty getting pregnant, whereas
20 percent of women 35 and older have
difficulty. That does not mean that
getting pregnant in your late 30s and

40s is impossible; it means it can be a
little more difficult.

MYTH #3: More sex makes
conception more likely.

The old adage "it only takes one" is
true in this case. While it may seem
like simple math-more sex means
a higher chance of conception-this
isn't the case. For example, a man can
release millions of sperm in one sex
session; however, more sessions in each
day decreases the amount of sperm
released each time. This means that
more sessions doesn't necessarily equal
a higher chance of getting pregnant.
Instead of focusing on quantity each
day, which can create stress, focus
on quality and timing in respect to
ovulation. The ideal would be to have
sex every few days starting 18 days
before your next menstrual flow. Also, it
is important to note that trying certain
positions, crossing your legs or elevating
your lower body to keep sperm in place
longer have no bearing on your chances
of getting pregnant.

MYTH #4: That past STI
doesn't matter.

When it comes to sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), most women know
that prevention is key, as well as regular

screenings. The fact remains that
even after being treated, STIs can
still impact the reproductive system.
Some of the common infections-
chlamydia, gonorrhea and pelvic
inflammatory disease-can cause
lasting damage to your fallopian
tubes, impacting your fertility.
By getting routine Pap tests, your
doctor can visualize changes of
the cervix and vagina and detect
any inflammation, infection or
abnormalities, all of which are key
indicators of STIs.

MYTH #5: Your doctor
is focused on fertility.

While OB/GYNs can help you
understand your reproductive
health, including fertility, they
do not necessarily prioritize that
above cervical cancer screening or
identifying any abnormalities.
If you're interested in learning more
about your fertility, or addressing any
concerns, talk with your OB/GYN.
Even if you aren't planning to have a
baby for several years, it can still be
beneficial to talk through your plans. ■
Sharon Joyce-Bailey, MD, is an
OB/GYN with Gwinnett Physicians
Group OB/GYN.

WEBSITE

Conceiving Expert Care
Whether having a baby is a distant thought or a plan for the near future,
finding the right OB/GYN can make all the difference. With the personable,
experienced providers at Gwinnett Physicians Group OB/GYN, you will
receive the customized care you deserve. To start your women's health
journey with a GPG OB/GYN, visit gwinnettphysiciansgroupobgyn.com.

SPRING 2018

55
http://www.gwinnettphysiciansgroupobgyn.com
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