When you decide to try for a baby, the excitement quickly mixes with questions. You may hear advice from family, friends, or even neighbors. Some of it sounds convincing, but much of it leaves you more uncertain. If you have been trying for months without success, the confusion can feel heavy. It is natural to wonder if you are doing something wrong.
The truth is simple. There are many common beliefs about ovulation that are myths. These myths can mislead you, delay your chances, and create stress that you do not deserve. You need clarity about how your body works.
The following guide clears the most common misunderstandings so you can move forward with knowledge that will strengthen your confidence and hope.
Myth 1: You Can Get Pregnant Any Day of the Month
You may have been told that pregnancy is possible on any random day. That is not how your body works.
Pregnancy can only happen during your fertile window. This window lasts about six days: the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive in your body for up to five days. The egg, once released, lives only about 24 hours(MedlinePlus).
If you try outside this window, your chances are very low. This is why some people keep trying for months without success—they do not realize how short the fertile period really is.
What this means for you
You must focus on your fertile days. Track your cycle. Notice your body’s changes. Intercourse during this time gives you the best chance of success.
Myth 2: Ovulation Always Happens on Day 14
You may think ovulation always comes on day 14. This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Day 14 only applies to women who have a perfect 28-day cycle. Not every cycle is 28 days long. Yours may be shorter or longer, anywhere between 21 and 35 days, and still be normal (NHS). This means your ovulation could happen on day 10, day 18, or even later.
If you rely only on day 14 every month, you may miss your actual fertile window. That can make the process frustrating.
What this means for you
Do not count days alone. Pay attention to ovulation signs, such as changes in cervical mucus or results from an ovulation test kit. These give you a clearer picture of when your fertile window opens.
Myth 3: You Cannot Get Pregnant During Your Period
You may believe that menstruation is a safe time. But pregnancy during or right after your period is possible.
Here is why. If your cycle is short, ovulation may happen soon after your bleeding ends. Sperm can live inside your body for up to five days. If you have intercourse near the end of your period, sperm may still be alive when ovulation begins (Healthline).
The chance is lower compared to the fertile window, but it is not zero. Relying on this myth can lead to surprise pregnancies.
What this means for you
Do not consider periods as guaranteed protection. If you are trying to conceive, be aware that early ovulation makes it possible. If you are avoiding pregnancy, never depend on the calendar alone—always use proper contraception.
Myth 4: Having Sex Every Day Increases Your Chances
You may think daily intercourse will give you the highest chance of pregnancy. It feels logical. More attempts, more chances. But this is not how fertility works.
What matters most is timing, not frequency. Sperm quality can drop if ejaculation happens too often. In fact, research shows that having intercourse every one or two days during the fertile window gives the best chance of conception (Natural Cycles).
Trying every single day can also create pressure between you and your partner. Intimacy should not turn into stress.
What this means for you
Do not force yourself into a daily routine. Aim for every other day during your fertile window. This keeps sperm healthy, reduces pressure, and keeps intimacy enjoyable.
Myth 5: Stress Does Not Affect Fertility
You may hear people say stress has nothing to do with pregnancy. “Relax, it will happen on its own.” The truth is, stress does affect your body.
High stress levels can disrupt your hormones. Stress may delay or even block ovulation. In men, stress can lower sperm quality and count. The connection between stress and fertility is well studied (NIH).
If you feel anxious every cycle, your body may respond by slowing down its natural rhythm.
What this means for you
Protect your mental health. Try simple stress relievers like deep breathing, gentle exercise, prayer, or journaling. Rest should be a part of your fertility journey.
Myth 6: Certain Positions Guarantee Pregnancy
You may have been told to try certain sexual positions or even lie down with your legs raised afterward. These tips are widely repeated but not supported by science.
Once ejaculation happens, sperm quickly move toward the cervix, usually within minutes. Position does not make a difference. Gravity does not block them. No specific posture increases your chance of conception (WebMD).
Following these myths can add unnecessary pressure and even embarrassment.
What this means for you
Do not worry about positions. Focus on timing your fertile days. That is the factor that truly matters for conception.
Myth 7: Ovulation Tests Are Always Accurate
You may rely completely on ovulation predictor kits. These tests detect the rise of luteinizing hormone (LH), which usually happens right before ovulation. But they are not always accurate.
Sometimes your body releases LH without actually releasing an egg. At other times, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause false readings. That means you may get a positive test even though ovulation never occurs (Flo.health).
If you only trust the kit, you may miss your real fertile days.
What this means for you
Use ovulation kits as one tool, not the only one. Combine them with cycle tracking and paying attention to cervical mucus changes. If your cycles are irregular, speak with a doctor for further guidance.
Myth 8: Only Women Face Fertility Problems
You may feel all the pressure is on you when pregnancy takes time. Many families assume the woman is responsible. That is unfair and untrue.
About 40–50% of infertility cases are linked to male factors such as low sperm count, poor motility, or lifestyle issues (Fertility Family). Fertility is never a woman’s issue alone.
What this means for you
If conception is taking longer than expected, both you and your partner should get checked. Testing both sides saves time and avoids blame.
Myth 9: Age Does Not Matter If You Are Healthy
You may believe that as long as you eat well and feel healthy, age does not matter. But age is one of the most important factors in fertility.
For women, fertility begins to decline after 30 and drops more sharply after 35. The number and quality of eggs decrease with age. For men, sperm quality also reduces gradually over time (British Fertility Society).
Good health supports fertility, but it cannot fully cancel out the impact of age.
What this means for you
If you are planning a pregnancy later in life, do not delay medical support. Seek advice earlier. If you are younger, use this knowledge to plan wisely.
Myth 10: Herbal Remedies Can Replace Medical Advice
You may hear about “totkas,” herbal teas, or special home remedies that claim to improve fertility. Some of them may not cause harm, but none of them are proven to replace medical care.
Relying only on remedies can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. By the time you seek help, valuable months or even years may be lost.
What this means for you
If you want to try safe natural remedies, do so under medical guidance. But do not ignore professional evaluation. Medical science exists to give you answers and options.
Conclusion
Trying to get pregnant can feel confusing when myths about ovulation surround you. The truth is that conception only happens during a short fertile window, not on any random day. Ovulation does not always occur on day 14, and pregnancy is possible during or right after periods.
Stress, age, and lifestyle all affect fertility, and men contribute to challenges as much as women. Herbal remedies or positions do not guarantee results. Focus on timing, track your cycle carefully, and seek medical help when needed. Knowledge replaces confusion with confidence and hope.
FAQs
If ovulation tests are not always accurate, how can I be sure I am ovulating?
Ovulation tests detect the LH surge, but they cannot confirm if the egg was actually released. To be more certain, combine tests with cycle tracking, cervical mucus observation, and basal body temperature charting. If cycles remain irregular, a doctor can confirm ovulation through ultrasound or blood tests.
Does stress really delay ovulation, or is that a myth?
Stress can interfere with the hormones that trigger ovulation. In some women, this may delay or even prevent the egg’s release. Managing stress does not guarantee pregnancy, but it supports hormonal balance and improves overall fertility health.
Why does age affect fertility even if periods are still regular?
Regular periods do not always mean fertile eggs. With age, egg quality declines, which lowers the chance of fertilization and increases the risk of miscarriage. That is why age is an important factor, even if cycles remain steady.
Can you get pregnant on any day of your cycle?
No. You can only conceive during your fertile window, which lasts about six days: the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
Should both partners get checked if pregnancy is taking longer?
Yes. Infertility is not only a woman’s issue. Male factors contribute to nearly half of cases. Getting checked together saves time, prevents unnecessary stress, and ensures both partners receive the right care from the start.