The 5 biggest women’s health myths - busted
Read Time: 2 minutes
Did you know that women weren’t legally required to be included in medical research until 1993 when the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act was passed? Before that, most clinical trials mainly studied men, assuming the results would apply to everyone.
For way too long, medical research has mostly focused on men, leaving women’s health in the shadows and making the gender health gap even worse. And when studies do focus on women? They’re often old, outdated, or based on such a tiny sample size that they barely scratch the surface of the real issue.
When it comes to fertility and reproductive health, myths spread faster than a group chat meltdown. Dr Malini Uppal - fertility consultant and OVA's go-to Medical Advisor - sets the record straight on some of the biggest misconceptions out there.
1. Women’s fertility plummets at 30
Not exactly! While it’s true that egg quantity naturally declines over time, factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play a much bigger role in fertility than just age alone. Women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have, but that doesn’t mean they all vanish the second you hit the big 3-0. The key? Supporting egg health with a nutrient-rich diet, smart lifestyle choices, and targeted fertility supplements (hello, OVAPlus 👋).
2. Your period syncs up with your besties
Ah, the period syncing theory - aka the reason we all believed our gal pals were magically in tune with each other. This idea popped up in the 1970s when one study suggested that pheromones influence menstrual cycles. But modern science? Not so convinced. Turns out, cycle lengths naturally vary and overlap, making it look like syncing when it’s really just random timing.
3. You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding
Wishful thinking, but nope! Even if your period hasn’t fully returned postpartum, you can still ovulate - meaning pregnancy is possible while breastfeeding. Plus, there’s no evidence that breastfeeding makes you more or less fertile. So, if you’re not looking to expand the fam just yet, be sure to use contraception.
4. PCOS or endometriosis means you can’t conceive
False! While PCOS and endometriosis can make conception trickier, they don’t mean pregnancy is off the table. In fact, around 60-70% of women with endometriosis conceive naturally. The key is managing symptoms and optimizing reproductive health - which is exactly what OVAPlus was designed for, with science-backed ingredients to support your fertility journey.
5. Menopause starts the moment your period stops
Not quite! Menopause is officially diagnosed after you’ve gone a full year without a period (including spotting). But before that, there’s perimenopause, a transition phase where hormone levels fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular cycles, hot flashes, and mood swings. If you’re under 40 and experiencing skipped periods, don’t just assume it’s menopause - check in with a healthcare pro to rule out other conditions.
