Common Fertility Myths

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.

Myth #1: If your cycle is irregular, you can't get pregnant

Although an irregular menstrual cycle is something you'd want to check in on with your MD and ND, just because you have an irregular cycle doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. An irregular cycle is defined as a cycle shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.

Women who experience irregular cycles can still ovulate, meaning they can still get pregnant. It just may be a bit harder to predict when you're ovulating.

A few reasons for irregular cycles are PCOS, stress levels, a change in exercise, thyroid conditions, and perimenopause.

Myth #2: Couples should try for at least a year before looking into it

Infertility is defined as one year of unprotected intercourse without conception for women under 35 and 6 months for women over 35.

However, this is more of a guideline than an actual rule. Couples over 35, or with a history of irregular periods, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy or miscarriages may wish to seek help sooner.

Your ND can help you optimize your reproductive health long before you start trying.

Myth #3: If you don't get a positive LH/ovulation test, you didn't ovulate

I often suggest at home LH or ovulation tests for patients looking to determine their fertile window. However, even if you don't get a positive test, it doesn't mean you didn't ovulate:

• If you have PCOS or irregular cycles, the LH 'spike' may not be as pronounced and may not register as positive
• You may have missed your fertile day
• There may be underlying conditions that cause low LH

Myth #4: Infertility is usually the woman's fault

Infertility is not just a 'female' problem. It's estimated that 1/3 of infertility is male factor infertility. Male infertility can be caused by many factors including abnormal sperm count, quality or production, and difficulty with ejaculation of sperm.

Illness, previous medical history, autoimmune reactions, and injuries can be a causative factor. As an ND, I look at the whole picture, which is why I like to check in on the health of both partners.

Myth #5: You're getting a true period on the pill

Natural menstruation occurs when estrogen and progesterone levels drop post-ovulation due to the released egg staying unfertilized. While on The Pill, the 'period' you have is actually a withdrawal bleed. As you are not ovulating, the bleed is due to the cessation of pills (on the week off) and not from the hormonal signals of a non-fertilized egg, as in a natural cycle.

How I Can Help

I provide Fertility Support to help patients through pre-conception care, pregnancy and beyond. By looking at fertility through a holistic lens, we work towards a comprehensive plan that takes into account all aspects of health and its effect on fertility. I have advanced training in fertility support and offer pre and post IVF acupuncture.

Book your fertility support appointment here.

About the author

Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.

Book a visit with Dr. Courtney