Debunking Fertility Myths With First Response

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - May 30, 2011) - (Family Features) Getting pregnant isn't easy for a lot of people. According to RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, 7.3 million people in the U.S. suffer from infertility. It's an emotional issue that is sometimes clouded -- and made worse -- by misinformation.

To help couples as they embark on their pregnancy journeys, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine, debunks some common myths about infertility.

• Fertility problems only occur after age 35. According to Dr. Minkin, while age is definitely a factor in your chances of getting pregnant, it's not the only one. Endometriosis, irregular periods and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may limit your chances of becoming pregnant. Dr. Minkin suggests that if you're in your twenties and have been trying to get pregnant for over a year, or are in your thirties and have been trying for more than six months without luck, see your doctor for evaluation.
  
  
• Having sex as much as possible will increase chances of conception. Chances of conception are highest during the time of the woman's ovulation. To ensure you know the two days of your cycle when you're most fertile and more likely to conceive, Dr. Minkin suggests tracking your ovulation with a product such as the First Response Digital Ovulation Test. This test is the only one available that tracks your unique hormone levels to determine your personal LH surge, which indicates the 24 to 36 hour period of ovulation.
  
  
• Getting pregnant will happen right away once you stop taking the pill. Your body needs time to adjust to new hormone levels and return to your natural cycle. Dr. Minkin informs that you can get pregnant quickly; however your body will most likely need a period of readjustment.

When trying to get pregnant, it's also important to consider all factors that may be inhibiting conception. Many women may feel like it's their fault for not getting pregnant, but only 30 percent of all infertility cases are due exclusively to women's issues. "Thirty percent of infertility cases are in fact due to male problems," said Barbara Collura, Executive Director of RESOLVE. "The remaining percent of cases are caused by a combination of male and female problems or unknown factors, so it's important for both partners to be aware that it's really a couples' problem."

For more tips and information on fertility, ovulation and a healthy pregnancy, and for money-saving coupons, visit www.FirstResponse.com.