Quick Take
A viral video claims that poor fertility can affect creativity and decision-making, while also suggesting that delaying marriage can result in faster ageing. After fact checking, we found that this claim is mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram video suggests that if a person is not fertile, their body is “sad” and not releasing the “right hormones,” which affects decision-making and creativity. It also claims that fertility issues could make a person age faster, especially if they delay marriage. The video mentions that Shilajit can help with fertility, though it’s not for everyone.
Fact Check
Can fertility issues affect decision-making and creativity?
No, fertility issues do not directly affect decision-making and creativity. There is no scientific evidence linking infertility to impairments in these areas. However, infertility can lead to emotional distress, including guilt, anxiety, and depression, particularly for women. Stress from long treatment waits further impacts mental health. However, studies on fertility and cognitive health in older adults provide some insights:
A 2021 study in Mexico found that having 2–3 children was linked to the best cognitive abilities in older age, while having very few (0–1) or many (6+) children was associated with poorer cognitive function. This effect was more noticeable in women, suggesting that both low and high fertility may impact cognitive health later in life.
A 2022 study in the United States also found that both having children later in life and having very few or many children were linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline, especially in women. This highlights that fertility history could influence cognitive health risks.
While fertility issues can cause emotional distress due to the challenges they bring, there is no direct link between poor fertility and reduced creativity or decision-making. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone do affect mood and cognitive functions, but fertility problems alone are not proven to lead to these issues.
Interestingly, fertility-related myths are quite common. In the past, claims like tampons and menstrual cups causing infertility have been debunked. Some people have also wrongly suggested that the drug ivermectin can lead to fertility problems.
Does infertility make a person age faster?
No. Infertility does not accelerate the ageing process. Fertility declines naturally with age, particularly after the age of 35, but this does not equate to faster overall ageing. Ageing depends on many factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures, not just fertility. Poor fertility can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions that may also impact overall health. But it is not accurate to claim that infertility directly causes faster ageing.
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, Ayurvedic Expert and MD Scholar at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, states, “From an Ayurvedic point of view, infertility itself does not directly make a person age faster. However, the stress, emotional strain, and lifestyle imbalance linked with infertility can disturb the body’s natural energies, which over time may lower vitality. In Ayurveda, we believe that when ‘Ojas’, the essence of life and strength, becomes weak, early signs of ageing can appear. Managing stress, eating well, and following rejuvenation therapies are important to protect health and youthfulness while dealing with fertility challenges.”
Dr Almas Fatma, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, says, “Not exactly. Infertility itself doesn’t directly make a person age faster. However, some underlying health issues that cause infertility, like hormonal problems or chronic illnesses, can also affect the body’s ageing process. Stress and emotional strain from dealing with infertility might also make people feel more tired or older than they are. But infertility alone isn’t a cause of faster ageing. It’s important to focus on overall health, manage stress, and get proper medical care to stay healthy while dealing with fertility challenges.”
Can delaying marriage impact fertility and health?
Maybe. Delaying marriage could potentially lead to delayed childbearing, which might impact fertility, particularly in women. Fertility declines with age, especially after 35 for women, making it more difficult to conceive. However, the claim that delaying marriage itself causes a rapid decline in health or leads to the body “getting tired” is not substantiated by scientific evidence. While age-related fertility decline is a well-documented phenomenon, it does not directly translate into a dramatic decline in overall health or energy levels.
Dr Devyani Mukherjee, Specialist in Reproductive Medicine, Birla Fertility and IVF, Rajouri Garden, Delhi, explains, “Yes, delaying marriage and parenthood can affect fertility and certain health aspects. A woman’s fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35, because the number and quality of eggs reduce over time. Men also experience a gradual decline in fertility. With older age, the risks of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chromosomal problems in babies, also increase. Although treatments like IVF can help, they cannot fully reverse age-related fertility decline. It’s important for anyone planning to delay marriage or children to discuss fertility preservation options, like egg freezing, and maintain good health. Knowing how age impacts fertility can help people make better-informed decisions about family planning.”
Is Shilajit effective for fertility?
Maybe. Shilajit is an ancient remedy used in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to offer several health benefits, including boosting energy and possibly improving fertility. Some studies suggest it contains antioxidants and may help enhance sperm quality in men. However, the evidence is still limited, and Shilajit is not a guaranteed or proven treatment for fertility issues.
It is also not suitable for everyone. Shilajit can raise iron and testosterone levels, and raw forms may contain harmful metals or fungi. People with high iron levels or certain health conditions should avoid it. We need more research in humans to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
THIP Media Take
The claim that poor fertility can affect creativity and decision-making is mostly false. The video presents a number of exaggerated and unsupported claims. While fertility problems can cause emotional distress, they do not directly affect creativity, decision-making, or accelerate the ageing process. Shilajit may have some potential benefits for fertility, but it is not a miracle solution. Fertility issues are complex and require professional medical consultation rather than reliance on unproven remedies.
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