Around 80% of infertility cases in couples can be traced and treated, while the remaining
20% are attributed to unknown causes. These “unknown causes” are usually the root of myths. Sociologist Rene Borromeo opines that Filipinos sometimes cling to myths or pamahiin due to despair or a need to explain the unexplainable.
Though there is nothing wrong in subscribing to pamahiin, Borromeo stresses the importance
of scientific and logical explanations to balance the equation. Conceiving involves serious planning and responsibility. Believing solely in myths and idle talk can cause a lot of wasted effort, time, and money.
“Sumayaw sa Obando.” (“Dance in Obando.”)
Traditionally held in Obando, Bulacan, mid May each year, the celebration of the patron saint of the childless Santa Clara has many couples participating in the street dance, believing they will conceive. According to Shana Rizza Dumana, M.D., a resident at the East Avenue Medical Center, “This can help psychologically. But there is no scientific basis to this practice.”
“Mag-ampon muna. ’Pag may bata na sa bahay, sunod-sunod na ’yan.” (“Adopt first. Once there are children in the house, more will come.”)
The pregnancy achievement rate for those that adopt versus those that do not is the same. If an infertile couple decide to adopt and they later find that they are pregnant, it should be seen as nothing more than a happy coincidence. Another similar myth states that you have to be constantly around children to be able to conceive. “Being around children doesn’t make you more fertile,” says Dr. Dumana.
“Huwag ka munang tatayo...” (“Don’t get up right after...”)
The notion of not standing up right after sex is probably from imagery that doing so might “spill” out semen. Other versions of this myth include “wrapping or crossing your legs after sex.” While it does not take any effort to lie in bed a few minutes after sex, it has no bearing on your chances to conceive. “You cannot prevent seminal fluid from dripping,” says Dr. Dumana. Ann Douglas, author of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, writes that after ejaculation, semen thickens and sticks to the upper cervical area. “The fluid that drips out of your vagina after intercourse tends
to be cervical mucus—seminal fluid and sperm that are too old or damaged to penetrate the cervical mucus...what you’re losing are the waste products of intercourse, not the sperm itself.”
Click here to see more fertility pamahiins.
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Read on for more fertility pamahiins.
“Maglagay ng mga unan sa ilalim ng balakang tuwing pagtatalik.” (“Prop your pelvis up
with pillows during sexual intercourse.”)
This supposedly cuts short the distance traveled by the sperm, expediting fertilization. This is also
the reason couples are encouraged to use deep-penetration sexual positions like The Missionary
or that the couple should reach orgasm at the same time to be able to conceive.
“Theoretically, this can help. But then again, there are no definitive studies on this,” says Dr. Dumana. She explains, “When a woman orgasms, nagko-contract ang uterus, which may propel the sperm to the fallopian tube where the egg is at the time of ovulation.” Douglas adds that sexual positions most gratifying for the woman are not the most “sperm-friendly.” There are several factors other than sexual position, such as how the sperm moves or the cervix environment. Plus, good and healthy sperm know where they’re head[previous|page|next]ed and what they’re supposed to do when they get there.
“Gawa lang ng gawa hanggang makabuo.” (“Just keep making a baby until you get one!”)
Though you do need the deed to get pregnant, timing is a crucial issue. Douglas suggests pacing sexual activity every other day to allow your partner’s sperm count to build up. Dr. Dumana stresses, “It’s crucial to have contact during your most fertile period, starting around five days before ovulation (or 12 to 16 days after the first day of your last period). Visit your Ob-Gyne or a fertility specialist to know your cycle.”
“Magpahilot ng matres, baka baliko o nakayuko.” (“Have your uterus massaged—it might be crooked or inverted.”)
Dr. Dumana explains, “Uterine position has no effect on fertility. An anteverted uterus is tipped
toward the bladder, while a retroverted uterus is tilted backward. Hilot does not play any role in making a retroverted uterus anteverted.” A tipped uterus will usually be in place by the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy. When pregnancy continues even if the uterus does not correct itself, a Caesarean section is recommended.
Click here for tips on how to get pregnant the right way.
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Here are tips on how to get pregnant the right way.
READY, SET, CONCEIVE! Preparing to Get Pregnant the Right Way
Getting pregnant is all about being healthy to increase your chances of nurturing a baby inside you. Here are some tips from The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby by Ann Douglas and
John R. Sussman, M.D.
1. Maintain healthy weight.
Ninety percent of underweight women who had previously been unable to conceive managed to
become pregnant when they reached their ideal weight. Likewise, 76% of overweight women with fertility problems managed to conceive when they reached their ideal weight. Being over- or underweight affects your hormonal cycle and upsets the ovulation pattern.
2. Exercise appropriately.
Excessive exercise can lead to fertility problems like irregular periods or cycles in which ovulation does not occur. Would-be fathers who often exercise should take note that high levels of endurance training may affect sperm quality.
3. Quit those vices.
Too much caffeine or alcohol can interfere with fertility and increase chances of miscarriage. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes interfere with the production of estrogen, a hormone that regulates ovulation, and cause women’s eggs to be more prone to genetic abnormalities.
4. De-stress.
Stress upsets hormonal balance that may cause your menstrual cycle to go haywire. Irregular menstrual cycles can cause irregular behavior of your fallopian tubes and uterus, which in turn inhibits the movement of eggs.
5. Have an overall health check.
Clean your body of foreign elements that may affect your fertility: from taking over-the-counter meds to using lubricants. Prepare your body for pregnancy by taking food rich in folic acid and vitamin C. Discuss any fertility treatment you are considering (whether medical or herbal) with your Ob-Gyne.
SOURCES
â— Shana Rizza Dumana, M.D., East Avenue Medical Center
â— The Mother Of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas
â— The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby by Ann Douglas and John Sussman, M.D.
â— Websites: sharedjourney.com; fi tpregnancy.com; I-am-pregnant.com; asrm.org
Photo from flickr.com
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