When you’re trying to conceive, it seems like everyone has advice - from well-meaning family members to friends or random internet forums. Some tips are harmless, others are rooted in old wives’ tales, and a few are simply wrong. Fertility is already an emotional subject, and misinformation only makes the journey more stressful.

In the Netherlands, about 1 in 6 couples face fertility challenges at some point (RIVM, WHO). That means you are far from alone yet myths continue to circulate. 

We’ve partnered with Athena Fertility, an at-home fertility test in the Netherlands to dive into the five common fertility myths that many Dutch couples hear, and uncover what the science actually says.

Myth 1: “Age doesn’t matter if you want a baby.”

Reality: Age is one of the strongest factors affecting fertility - for both men and women.

• Women’s fertility: Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. From age 30, fertility begins to decline, with a sharper drop after 35. By age 40, chances of natural conception are much lower. According to European fertility research (ESHRE), women in their early 40s face less than a 5% chance of conceiving per cycle, compared to 20–25% in their 20s.
  
• Risks with age: Older age also increases the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
  
• Men’s fertility: Although men continue producing sperm throughout life, sperm count, motility, and quality decline with age. Dutch fertility clinics confirm that paternal age above 40 can make conception slower and increase risks for the baby.
  
  

Takeaway: While many couples in their late 30s and 40s still have healthy pregnancies, age matters. Knowing your fertility status early for example, by checking ovarian reserve gives you more options.

Myth 2: “Marijuana doesn’t affect fertility.”

Reality: Cannabis use can have an effect, particularly for couples already struggling.

• For men: A Danish study found that men who smoked marijuana more than once per week had a 29% lower sperm count than non-users. Cannabis may also affect sperm concentration and DNA integrity.
  
• For women: Cannabis has been linked to delayed ovulation and a higher risk of anovulatory cycles (cycles where no egg is released). Even a few days’ delay can reduce the chances of conception.
  
• Medical advice in NL: Fertility specialists in the Netherlands (UMC Utrecht, Erasmus MC) generally advise couples trying to conceive to avoid cannabis, alcohol, and smoking to maximize chances.
  
  

Takeaway: The science is not fully settled, but it is safest to avoid marijuana while trying to conceive.

Myth 3: “Infertility is rare.”

Reality: Infertility is more common than many realise.

• Global data: WHO reports that 1 in 6 adults worldwide will experience infertility in their lifetime.
  
• The Netherlands: Dutch studies show that about 15% of couples experience fertility problems at some stage. Fertility issues are one of the most common reasons couples visit a 'huisarts' (GP) or are referred to a gynecologist.
  
• Emotional impact: Many couples in NL delay seeking medical advice because they think their struggles are unusual, but infertility is unfortunately common, yet treatable.
  
  

Takeaway: Infertility is not rare and it’s one of the reasons why we created Athena Fertility - to help women get more informed about the state of their hormonal health, egg reserve and fertility.

Myth 4: “Fertility problems are always the woman’s fault.”

Reality: Male and female factors contribute almost equally.

• Male-only factors: About 30% of cases (low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal issues).
  
• Female-only factors: About 30% of cases (ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve).
  
• Combined causes: Around 20%.
  
• Unexplained: Around 20%.
  
  

Takeaway: Fertility is a shared responsibility. In the Netherlands, doctors always recommend evaluating both partners after 12 months of trying (or after 6 months if the woman is over 35).

Myth 5: “Stress is the main cause of infertility.”

Reality: Stress can affect fertility, but it is not usually the root cause.

• Primary causes: Infertility usually stems from medical or biological reasons such as ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve, or reduced sperm quality.
  
• Role of stress: Chronic stress may disrupt the menstrual cycle and sperm production, but it acts as a secondary factor.
  
• In the Netherlands: Fertility clinics often include stress management as supportive care, but not as the main solution.
  
  

Takeaway: Don’t blame infertility on stress alone - the underlying causes are usually medical.

FAQs - Other Fertility Myths You’ve Probably Heard

Can you get pregnant from swallowing semen?
No. Pregnancy only occurs when sperm enters the vagina and fertilises an egg. Swallowing semen cannot cause pregnancy.

Does diet affect fertility?
Yes. A Mediterranean-style diet that’s rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats is linked to improved fertility outcomes. Diets high in trans fats, sugar, and processed food may reduce fertility.

What about pineapple and fertility?
Some women eat pineapple (especially the core) after ovulation because of bromelain, an enzyme that may support blood flow. However, there is no scientific evidence that pineapple improves implantation or fertility.

Does lying on your back after sex help?
No. Sperm reach the cervix within minutes. Research shows that staying in bed or putting your legs up does not significantly improve conception chances.

Can underwear or tight pants affect fertility?

• Men: Tight underwear and heat (from saunas, hot tubs, or laptops on the lap) can reduce sperm quality.
• Women: Tight pants don’t cause infertility, but cotton underwear supports better vaginal health.

Does female orgasm help conception?
Possibly. Uterine contractions during orgasm may help sperm travel toward the egg, but evidence is limited. It’s not a guarantee, but it doesn’t hurt either.

Do hot tubs or saunas reduce sperm count?
Yes. High heat can temporarily lower sperm production. Dutch fertility doctors often advise men to avoid prolonged sauna or hot tub use when trying to conceive.

Testing Your Fertility

Fertility is surrounded by myths - from pineapple diets to lying on your back after sex. But science shows that the real factors include age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and both partners’ reproductive health.

The good news? Knowledge is power. With the right information and tools, you can take proactive steps toward understanding your fertility.

Athena’s at-home fertility tests give you insight into your hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and thyroid health all from the comfort of your home, with insights in 5 days. It’s a simple first step if you’re planning for the future or have been trying without success.

Discover Athena’s fertility tests today and take control of your fertility journey with a special discount [automatically applied with this link]

Sources

• RIVM – Kinderwens en vruchtbaarheid (Netherlands)
• WHO – 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility
• ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) – Fertility and age statistics
• PubMed – Cannabis and sperm/ovulation research
• Danish Study: Marijuana use and reduced sperm count (Human Reproduction)
• Erasmus MC, UMC Utrecht – Fertility lifestyle guidelines

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