Sexual and reproductive health is a vital aspect of overall wellness, yet there are many myths and misconceptions that circulate it. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common myths surrounding sexual and reproductive health and separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Male fertility doesn’t decline.
Fact: Research suggests that male fertility does decline with age. Studies have shown that the quantity and quality of sperm can decrease as men get older. The decline in sperm quality can lead to a decrease in fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. The decline in sperm quality and quantity is gradual, starting around the age of 35, but it may happen earlier in some men. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and use of recreational drugs can also accelerate the decline in male fertility. Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, radiation, and certain chemicals, can also have an impact on sperm quality.
Myth: Most people trying to conceive get pregnant quickly.
Fact: It is not uncommon for it to take some time for people trying to conceive to get pregnant. Factors such as age, fertility, and overall health can impact the chances of getting pregnant. Most couples under 40 years old will conceive within one year if they are engaging in regular vaginal intercourse without using contraception.
The odds of conceiving in the first month of trying are 1 in 3 (33%) and within the first year, 8 out of 10 couples (80%) will become pregnant. For those who don’t conceive in the first year, about half will become pregnant in their second year of trying, resulting in a pregnancy rate of over 90% within the first two years of attempting to conceive. For couples using Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), over 50% of women under 40 will conceive within 6 cycles and an additional 50% will become pregnant within the next 6 cycles, resulting in an overall pregnancy rate of over 75% in one year.
It is recommended that couples who have been trying to conceive for a year or more consult with a fertility specialist for further evaluation and potential treatment options.
Myth: It’s obvious when you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection.
Fact: Many STDs have no signs or symptoms (asymptomatic) and symptoms of the same infection can differ from person to person. Some STDs can even lay dormant and unnoticed in the body for years. Even if a STD is asymptomatic, it can still be passed on to other sexual partners, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly.
For example, Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. Chlamydia can be difficult to detect because early-stage infections often cause few or no signs and symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms usually start one to three weeks after you’ve been exposed to chlamydia and may be mild and pass quickly.
Myth: You can’t get an STD from oral sex.
Fact: Oral sex is the stimulation of the genitals using the mouth and tongue. It is actually quite common to pass on STDs through oral sex. The most common orally contracted STDs include:
- Gonorrhea
- Genital Herpes
- Syphilis
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
While the risk of contracting an STI from oral sex is lower than from vaginal or anal sex, it is still possible to contract an STD through oral sex.
Myth: Men can’t get HPV.
Fact: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. They often do not cause any issues. However, a few types can cause genital warts or cancer. HPV is more often discussed with women as it is the number one cause of cervical cancers.There is also no current way of testing men for HPV, unless they have visible genital warts.
HPV is prevalent among both men and women, with about 80% of people experiencing an HPV infection at some point in their lives. In many cases, HPV will clear up on its own without causing any harm, but if left untreated, it can lead to changes in cells which can then become cancer. Many people with HPV are unaware they have it and may not experience any symptoms.