When you are trying to conceive, pregnancy misconceptions abound! Our Las Vegas fertility practice works to educate patients about pregnancy myths and puts the facts in the “facts of life.” In fact, busting fertility myths was the focus of a recent episode of Fertility Doc Uncensored, the fertility-focused podcast featuring our own Carrie Bedient, MD.
Basic biology tops stories
Pregnancy myths get passed down through generations and are often based on folklore, not science. Here are some common misconceptions and theories about conceiving.
- Can you get pregnant in ways not including sex? The answer to this is a resounding NO! It’s almost a teenage rite of passage to hear that sitting on a toilet seat, swimming in a pool, or being in a hot tub can result in pregnancy. But, having old-fashioned sex is the pathway to pregnancy – or when needed, using the many forms of reproductive technology available. Another fallacy is that oral sex will get you pregnant – also a resounding NO – but oral sex can deliver a sexually transmitted infection.
- Is there a perfect baby-making position during and after sex? If there were a single sexual position to promote pregnancy, we would tell you, but there’s no evidence to support that. And after sex, elevating your hips to “keep sperm in” or provide a clearer pathway to the cervix is also one of the common pregnancy misconceptions – it won’t help.
- Can chocolate turn me on? One pregnancy myth is that certain foods can increase libido, such as oysters, chocolate and alcohol. Many so-called aphrodisiacs do not have the backing of scientific evidence. And while alcohol can lessen inhibitions, too much alcohol can limit sexual functioning.
- Are boxers better than briefs? While there is no scientific proof behind underwear choices affecting fertility, the logic behind this theory might be worth considering. The testicles prefer cooler temperatures, and wearing tight briefs can heat up the testes. The same can be said of men who spend time in hot tubs, saunas or do a lot of cycling. Those activities won’t necessarily hurt the process of sperm production, but they might limit the number sperm produced.
- Can I increase my odds of having a boy or girl? In short, no, unless you are using IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Some people believe the time of intercourse can set the stage for gender selection, but it doesn’t, unless you can magically control what sex chromosome the sperm carries (you can’t).
Rely on us for fertility answers
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas is ready to break down pregnancy myths and provide answers rooted in science and based on facts. To learn more, be sure to check out Episode 156 of the Fertility Docs Uncensored podcast, “Busting Some Myths About How to Get Pregnant.”
The podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform – with new episodes about different fertility topics every Tuesday – so be sure to subscribe. Contact our Las Vegas fertility practice to learn more.
FAQ
Q1: Does sexual position affect your chances of getting pregnant?
No — there is no scientific evidence that any particular sexual position improves the chances of conception. Sperm travel quickly and reach the cervical canal within seconds of ejaculation, regardless of body position. Similarly, lying on your back or elevating your hips after intercourse will not meaningfully improve your odds. The most important factor is timing intercourse during your fertile window — the five days leading up to and including ovulation.
Q2: Is it true that you can only get pregnant on one specific day per month?
This is one of the most common pregnancy misconceptions. In reality, you have a fertile window of approximately six days per cycle — the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, which means intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation can still result in pregnancy. Tracking your cycle, basal body temperature, or using ovulation predictor kits can help identify your personal fertile window more accurately.
If you’re unsure how to identify your fertile window, our team is happy to help you get started.
Q3: Does stress prevent you from getting pregnant?
While extreme, chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with regular ovulation, everyday stress does not prevent conception. Many people conceive during stressful periods of their lives. That said, managing stress through exercise, mindfulness, or counseling is beneficial to your overall health and well-being when trying to conceive. If you have been trying for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you are over 35), it is worth consulting a fertility specialist rather than attributing difficulty conceiving solely to stress.
If stress is weighing on your journey, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone — our team supports the whole person, not just the clinical picture.
Q4: Can you choose the sex of your baby naturally through timing or diet?
No. The sex of a baby is determined by which chromosome — X or Y — the sperm carries at the moment of fertilization. There is no reliable scientific evidence that timing of intercourse, diet, or sexual positions can influence this outcome. The only medically validated method for sex selection is IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which allows embryos to be identified by sex before transfer.
If sex selection is part of your family planning, our physicians at FCLV are happy to walk you through what’s possible for your family.
Q5: Does wearing tight underwear reduce a man’s fertility?
There is some scientific logic behind this concern, though it is often overstated. The testicles function best at a temperature slightly below core body temperature, which is why they are located outside the body. Wearing tight briefs, spending extended time in hot tubs or saunas, or prolonged cycling may raise scrotal temperature and slightly reduce sperm production. However, this effect is generally temporary and reversible.
If you have questions about male factor fertility, a semen analysis with our team is a straightforward, compassionate first step.
