Women’s health is often surrounded by misinformation, much of it passed down through word of mouth or amplified online.
To separate fact from fiction, Life & Style spoke with health experts and physicians who are setting the record straight on some of the most common myths women still believe.
Myth 1: Miscarriages Are Rare
Despite increased public conversations around pregnancy loss, many people still assume miscarriages are uncommon—or something that happens to “other people.” According to Rhiana Saunders, MD, that belief couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Experiencing a pregnancy loss can be isolating, but it isn’t a rare occurrence,” Saunders tells Life & Style. “As many as half of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage, with a majority of those happening during the first trimester, or before 12 weeks.”
So why do miscarriages happen so frequently? Saunders explains that most are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the embryo from developing normally—factors that are entirely outside a woman’s control.
“For women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss, which is defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages, there may be an underlying cause that can be evaluated and treated by a fertility specialist,” she adds.
Myth 2: Birth Control Can Impair Fertility
Another persistent myth surrounding women’s health is the belief that birth control can cause long-term fertility issues. Saunders says this misconception often creates unnecessary fear and may prevent women from choosing the contraception that’s best for them.
“Myths that birth control can damage fertility create needless fear for women,” she explains. “While some people experience a short delay in the return to a monthly menstrual cycle after using hormonal birth control—including IUDs, the pill, a patch, or an implant—there’s no evidence that these contraceptives affect fertility over the long term.”
According to Saunders, fertility typically returns to normal once birth control use stops, allowing most women to conceive when they’re ready.
Myth 3: Fertility Is Only a Women’s Issue
Michelle Agudelo, a fertility awareness educator and menstrual health practitioner, says one of the most damaging myths is placing the burden of fertility entirely on women.
“It takes 50% sperm and 50% egg to create a fertilized embryo,” Agudelo tells Life & Style. “We know that one in six couples actively trying to conceive struggle with infertility, yet 50% of the time it’s male-factor infertility that’s causing the issue.”
She emphasizes that sperm health is just as important as egg health and encourages men to take an active role in fertility planning.
“Men absolutely need to take their fertility seriously—address their diet, limit marijuana and alcohol, and ease up on excessive heat like saunas,” Agudelo explains. “Too much heat is detrimental to sperm, especially when trying to conceive.”
Myth 4: Post-Childbirth Changes Are Just Something You Live With
Dr. Troy Robbin Hailparn, a board-certified OB-GYN, says many women are wrongly told that physical changes after childbirth are unavoidable and untreatable.
“So many of my patients have shared that their gynecologist told them, ‘That’s just something you have to live with,’” Hailparn tells Life & Style. “The truth is that functional and aesthetic changes from childbirth—including vaginal laxity, discomfort, and urinary issues—are treatable.”
He adds that many women simply aren’t aware that options exist beyond “just dealing with it.”
Myth 5: Perimenopause Starts in Your Late 40s
Michelle Sands, a licensed naturopathic physician at Glow Natural Wellness, says this myth often leaves women confused and dismissed when symptoms appear earlier in life.
“Many women start noticing changes in their mid-to-late 30s,” Sands explains. “Sleep disruption, anxiety, heavier periods, rage-y PMS, weight gain, and changes in libido can all be early signs.”
Her message is clear: “If you’re 35 and older and feel like a different person, it’s not ‘just stress.’ It could be perimenopause—or perimenopause combined with stress.”
