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Wearing briefs as opposed to boxer shorts lowers sperm counts (Fiction)
It has been believed that briefs increase the scrotal temperature and thus impair
sperm production. However, using sophisticated temperature monitoring
techniques, doctors have shown there is no significant difference in scrotal
temperature regardless of the underwear type.
Robitussin (guaifenesin) will improve the chances for pregnancy if a
woman has "thick" cervical mucus (Fiction)
Around the time of ovulation, a woman's cervical mucous becomes clear and
watery to allow the passage of sperm. Some suspect that insufficient "thinning" of
the cervical mucous is a cause for infertility. This is controversial in itself. Use of
Robitussin has been rumored for decades to improve the chance for pregnancy.
However, there has never been a single study to indicate any positive effect of
Robitussin on achieving pregnancy.
Obesity plays a role in infertility (Fact)
Excess weight and obesity can affect fertility in a number of different ways by
causing hormonal imbalances that have an impact on ovulation and menstruation.
Additionally, obese patients have a poorer chance for success with fertility
treatments. They tend to have a worse response to fertility medications and as a result
may need higher doses. Pregnancy rates are uniformly lower for obese women. This is
true even for high tech treatments such as in vitro fertilization. Some IVF studies
show a delivery rate for obese women that is one half what it is for thinner women.
Smoking contributes to infertility (Fact)
Research indicates that smoking is harmful to women's ovaries and the degree of harm
is dependent upon the amount and period of time a woman smokes. Smoking accelerates
the loss of eggs and reproductive function and may advance menopause by several years.