3 Common Fertility Myths and what's really true by Rebekah Loh

Our Chinese Medicine doctor here at Meraki - Rebekah, breaks down 3 common myths when it come's to your fertility.

When you’re trying to conceive (or even just learning more about your reproductive health), there’s no shortage of advice. Friends, family, health practitioners and of course Dr.google will throw plenty of tips your way. But not all of it is accurate. In fact, some of the most common beliefs about fertility are actually myths — and believing them can create unnecessary stress.

Let’s clear up three big ones.

Myth 1: If you have periods, you ovulate regularly

The truth:

 A regular bleed doesn’t always mean you’re ovulating. Menstrual cycles have two main phases. The follicular phase (from day 1 of your period to just before ovulation), and the luteal phase (ovulation until your next bleed). The follicular phase varies the most in length with irregular cycles stretching this phase up to 20-30 days. The luteal phase is generally more predictable, lasting between 12-14 days. However some bleeds are “anovulatory,” meaning no egg was released. This can happen even if your cycle looks regular on paper.

Why it matters:

 If you’re not ovulating, timing intercourse or tracking fertile days won’t increase your chances of conceiving. Ovulation issues can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, thyroid conditions, PCOS, extreme exercise, or other factors.

What you can do:

 Track ovulation with basal body temperature (BBT) charts, ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), or cervical mucus changes — rather than relying solely on your period dates or a period app.

Myth 2: You have to have sex every day in the fertile window to fall pregnant

The truth:

More isn’t always better. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days, so having intercourse every single day during your fertile window isn’t necessary — and for many couples on their fertility journey, it can lead to more stress and performance pressure.

Why it matters:

The fertile window is the 4–6 days leading up to ovulation and including the day after. You only need to ensure sperm is present in that window — not wear yourselves out trying to “cover” every possible moment.

What you can do:

Aim for intercourse every 2–3 days during your fertile window. This keeps sperm supply healthy and reduces stress. Many couples find it easier and most importantly, more enjoyable. In Chinese Medicine the heart has a crucial role in ensuring implantation. If your heart is open emotionally to connection with yourself and your partner, it creates an energetically fertile environment for sperm and egg to come together.

Myth 3: Low AMH means you have low fertility

The truth:

AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) is a marker of ovarian reserve — the quantity of eggs you have — but it doesn’t directly measure egg quality or your ability to get pregnant right now. People with low AMH can still conceive naturally!

Why it matters:

Low AMH is most relevant if you’re considering IVF, as it predicts how you might respond to ovarian stimulation. But for natural conception, it’s only part of the picture. Age, ovulation health, sperm quality, and overall wellbeing all play bigger roles.

What you can do:

 If you’ve been told your AMH is low, don’t panic. Chat to us and we’ll look at your overall fertility blood tests and give you the best advice.  There is a lot you can influence — healthy lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, supplementation, and acupuncture.

The bottom line

Fertility is complex, and no single number, symptom, or schedule tells the whole story. Understanding your body — and letting go of unhelpful myths — can reduce anxiety and help you make informed choices. I’ve seen countless stories in the clinic and personally experienced how overwhelming it is to navigate the opinions and information. However, I believe you know your body best and therefore can make the best decision for you in your fertility. If you’re trying to conceive and feeling unsure, remember: you’re not alone, and getting the right information is one of the most empowering steps you can take.

Come and learn more about your fertility by booking into a Chinese Medicine appointment at Meraki where we can go over your health from a holistic and tailored approach that is specific to you.

Book here

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