6 most common fertility myths in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, around one in six couples experience trouble when trying to conceive. We understand that fertility can be a touchy subject – a sentiment that is shared by a growing number of couples in the city-state. And with so much misinformation proliferating online, it can be hard to separate fact from myth, which makes dealing with fertility issues all the more overwhelming. To alleviate some of the confusion, this article seeks to debunk the 6 most common fertility myths in Hong Kong.

What are the most common fertility myths in Hong Kong?

Myth #1: Infertility is a “female problem”

Infertility is not a “female-only” problem. Let’s look at the numbers: around one-third of all infertility cases are related to female factors, another one-third are related to male factors, and the remaining one-third are due to a combination of factors. As such, it is important for both partners to undergo comprehensive fertility testing before embarking on their desired course of treatment.

Further reading: Everything you need to know about Ob-Gyns in Hong Kong

Myth #2: Sex positions matter

The “best position for getting pregnant” is an age-old debate with countless theories for either or. However, the truth is that it doesn’t really matter. According to Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an Ob-Gyn and women’s health blogger, “sperm is motile, so it doesn’t need gravity to get where it goes. It has to go up the uterus and into the fallopian tubes which is a lot to navigate, and hanging upside down is not going to help that.”

Further reading: Why it’s time for men to talk about mental health

Myth #3: Men don’t have a biological clock

One of the most common male fertility myths in Hong Kong is that men don’t have a biological clock. Both men and women experience an age-related decline in their fertility, albeit at different rates. According to Healthy Matters, while sperm is continuously being produced throughout a man’s life, semen quality and concentration does decrease with age.

Further reading: Why it’s time for men to talk about mental health

Myth #4: I can’t get pregnant after age 35

Age is a big factor when it comes to conceiving, but it is not the be-all-end-all. While global studies and statistics do show that the risk of infertility increases after age 35, it doesn’t mean that your chances of conceiving are zero. It is important to remember that statistics are based on a generalized research sample and not your individual chances, which are unknown.

Further reading: Pregnant after 35? Tips for a healthy pregnancy

Myth #5: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) always works

Even though IVF is the most popular Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to help couples conceive, it is important to remember that IVF is not fool-proof. The chances of success with IVF depend on a range of factors, such as age, sperm health, etc., so it helps to manage expectations. As such, seeing a fertility specialist early on to assess your fertility treatment options is key.

Further reading: Finding the best medical coverage for IVF in Hong Kong

Myth #6: My health insurance plan covers fertility treatment

Another common fertility myth is that health insurance plans tend to cover fertility treatment. On the contrary, fertility treatment is one of the most common health insurance exclusions, meaning most plans won’t cover ART treatments like IVF. This is because fertility treatments tend to be very costly and are usually considered an “elective procedure” (i.e. treatments that are scheduled in advance and do not involve a medical emergency).

Planning to conceive with the help of IVF?

If you’re planning to conceive with the help of IVF or another form of ART, we highly advise checking whether your maternity insurance plan contains any stipulations regarding pregnancies induced by fertility treatment. Reading and comparing insurance policies can be a daunting experience, so if you’d like to discuss your Hong Kong maternity insurance coverage options, it really pays to talk to an unbiased broker. For an in-depth breakdown of your Hong Kong health insurance options, get in touch with our team today!

Disclaimer: The content on all Pacific Prime websites is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional medical advice or consultations with other health professionals.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Lindeman

Content Strategist at Pacific Prime Hong Kong

Jessica Lindeman is a Content Strategist at Pacific Prime. She comes to work every day living and breathing the motto of "simplifying insurance", and injects her unbridled enthusiasm for health and insurance related topics into every article and piece of content she creates for Pacific Prime.

When she's not typing away on her keyboard, she's reading poetry, fueling her insatiable wanderlust, getting her coffee fix, and perpetually browsing animal Instagram accounts.

Latest posts by Jess Lindeman (see all)

• 13 Important Health Insurance Terms You Need to Know - March 22, 2024
• How to get the most out of your next checkup - February 6, 2023
• Long work hours and your health - October 3, 2022