Women Do Not Clearly Understand Pregnancy and Sex

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that women still do not clearly understand pregnancy and sex.

"The science of baby making is still a mystery for many women," the researchers involved in the study said. A thousand women between the age of 18 and 40 were polled as part of the recent study and it was found that 40 percent of women believed their ovaries continue to produce new eggs during their reproductive years. In the same way, the researchers also found out that more than 30 percent believed that certain sex positions as well as elevating the pelvis would increase their odds of getting pregnant.

Another 50 percent of the respondents were unaware that multivitamins with folic acid are recommended to prevent birth defects and more than 25 percent were unaware that sexually transmitted infections, obesity, smoking and irregular menstrual cycles can have a negative effect on fertility. Other than this, the researchers have found that more than half of women in their reproductive-age have never discussed their reproductive health with a medical professional.

"This study, on one hand, brings to the forefront gaps in women's knowledge about their reproductive health, and on the other, highlight's women's concerns that are often not discussed with health providers," said study author and Yale professor Dr. Jessica Illuzzi. "It's important that these conversations happen in this ever-changing family landscape."

"The most depressing, most concerning part was the level of unawareness among young women about their own biology," lead study author Luban Pal, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine said. "Lack of awareness about: What does ovulation mean? What are the signs? Does it have any implications for fertility?"