17/11/2025
Common Mistakes Couples Make With Family Planning
1. Not Discussing Goals Early Enough
Many couples avoid conversations about whether or when they want children, assuming they’re on the same page. Misaligned expectations lead to stress later.
2. Assuming Conception Will Be Easy
Fertility varies widely. Some expect to conceive immediately and feel anxiety or guilt when it takes longer.
3. Not Tracking the Menstrual Cycle
Relying on guesswork about ovulation makes timing difficult. Understanding cycles, windows of fertility, and cycle irregularities is crucial.
4. Waiting Too Long for a Fertility Evaluation
Many couples wait years before seeking help. Guidelines usually suggest evaluation after:
👉12 months of trying (under age 35)
👉6 months (over age 35)
5. Overlooking Men’s Fertility
Fertility struggles are often assumed to be a “female issue,” but male-factor infertility accounts for nearly half of cases. Both partners should be assessed.
6. Not Considering Preconception Health
Skipping preconception checkups, folic acid supplementation, or chronic condition management can impact outcomes.
7. Relying on Misconception Instead of Reliable Information
Examples:
👉Certain positions increase chances.
👉You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding.”
👉Irregular cycles mean infertility.”
8. Ignoring Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, lack of sleep, unmanaged stress, and high BMI all affect fertility but many overlook them.
9. Poor Financial Planning
Raising children, fertility treatments, and childcare can be significant expenses. Some couples begin trying without considering the financial impact.
10. Not Reviewing Long-Term Contraception Plans
Some couples use contraception inconsistently or incorrectly, while others stay on methods longer than intended without periodic review.
11. Assuming Age Won’t Matter
Egg quantity and quality decline with age, and s***m quality can also change. Some couples wait longer than they intended.
12. Forgetting About Emotional Readiness
Focusing only on the logistics money, timing, health without discussing emotional expectations parenting styles, division of labor, or lifestyle changes leads to future conflict.
©️ Nurse maraJane 💖