The fertility world is full of strong opinions, outdated assumptions, and advice that isn’t rooted in the full picture of how the body actually works. And unfortunately, misinformation can lead to unnecessary interventions, missed diagnoses, and wasted time, which is the last thing any woman wants when she’s trying to conceive.
Whether you’re trying naturally or with IVF support, understanding the real science can make all the difference. Let’s break down some common myths I see in my practice every single week.
MYTH #1: IVF is your only option if…
- You’re over 40
- You have an irregular cycle
- Your partner’s sperm isn’t ideal
- Your labs are “normal,” but you’re still not pregnant
REALITY:
Not true — not even close.
Even in your 40s, there is so much we can do to improve egg quality, regulate ovulation, support hormone balance, and dramatically strengthen sperm health. IVF can be a helpful tool for some couples, but it isn’t the only option — and it isn’t a magic fix.
Even if you are doing IVF, you still need to uncover why you’re not conceiving in the first place. The same root causes that prevent natural conception (things like inflammation, poor egg quality, hormonal imbalances, microbiome disruptions, thyroid issues, blood sugar instability, nutrient deficiencies, and more) also impact IVF outcomes. If those issues aren’t addressed, IVF often becomes more stressful, more expensive, and less successful than it needs to be.
MYTH #2: You have unexplained infertility.
REALITY:
Unexplained means unexplored.
“Normal” lab work doesn’t tell the whole story. Many essential markers simply aren’t included in standard fertility testing. For example:
- Only checking TSH for thyroid instead of running a complete thyroid panel
- Never evaluating gut health, even though the microbiome influences hormones, inflammation, and miscarriage risk
- Skipping vaginal microbiome testing, which affects implantation and early pregnancy
- Overlooking insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation markers
When you run the right labs and interpret them through an optimal fertility lens, not a general health lens, you uncover answers that were missed.
MYTH #3: Diet and lifestyle don’t matter.
REALITY:
They matter more than most people realize.
Your daily choices influence:
- Inflammation
- Blood sugar stability
- Hormone balance
- Egg and sperm quality
- Implantation
- Early embryo development
Research consistently shows that targeted nutrition and lifestyle shifts can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes. This doesn’t mean eat and live “perfectly”. It means understanding what your body needs and what may be getting in the way.
MYTH #4: The male partner only needs a basic semen analysis.
REALITY:
Nearly 50% of fertility challenges involve the male partner, yet his evaluation is often rushed or oversimplified.
A standard semen analysis doesn’t look at:
- DNA fragmentation
- Oxidative stress
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Hormone imbalances
- Environmental toxin exposure
- Thyroid challenges
And men respond quickly to intervention. Sperm quality can improve in as little as 70–90 days with the right support!
MYTH #5: You’re in early menopause — and that’s the end of the story.
REALITY:
Low AMH, irregular cycles, or perimenopause symptoms do not automatically mean you’re out of time.
“Early menopause” is often misdiagnosed when the real issue is:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Adrenal imbalance (stress hormones)
- Blood sugar dysregulation
- Low-grade inflammation
- Nutrient depletion
- Gut or vaginal microbiome dysfunction
These are addressable — and improving them often restores cycles, ovulation quality, and fertility potential.
The bottom line:
If you’ve heard any of these myths, please don’t lose hope.
Age influences fertility, yes, but it’s rarely the deciding factor. What matters most is the underlying health of the whole reproductive system, and that is often far more within your control than you’ve been told.
There is almost always more that can be explored, supported, optimized, and strengthened, no matter your age, your past labs, or how long you’ve been trying.
You do not need to navigate this alone. With the right testing, the right plan, and the right support, your fertility story can look very different from what you’ve been told.
This is exactly the work I do with my fertility clients.
Inside my personalized fertility coaching program, we uncover the real reasons you’re not conceiving, optimize your hormones, improve egg and sperm health, and create a clear, evidence-backed plan, whether your goal is natural conception or a successful IVF cycle.
If you’re ready for expert guidance, root-cause answers, and a proven roadmap to improve your chances of getting pregnant in your 40s, I’d love to support you.
Let’s see if we’re a good fit and map out your next steps together.