When a couple struggles to get pregnant the most common piece of advice is to relax.

“Go on a holiday,” people say.

“It will happen. You’re just stressed.”

And while it’s a well-meaning suggestion from encouraging friends or family, nothing shits couples more than urban legends of couples who were barren until they hit the beach.

Listen to Dr Knight talk to Bec Judd and Monique Bowley on Mamamia’s pregnancy and birth podcast Hello, Bump:

The old ‘everyone is getting knocked up so why can’t I’ thought still rings true, according to Dr. Knight:

“People think because a whole pile of other people can just have sex and get pregnant that everyone should be able to do that, but that’s just not the reality of the world.” he said.

He says sometimes, it’s not putting all your ovarian eggs in one basket.

“I’ve spent most of my career really trying to get across to people that happy women make happy eggs.” he said.

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Dr Knight, who is a pioneer of Mild Ovarian Stimulation in Australia and one of Australia’s most experienced fertility specialists, also dropped a few truth bombs about the timing of conception.

“The bottom line is something most people aren’t aware of – and that is that sperm lasts for five days.”

So yes, ladies. There can be sperm floating around in your reproductive tract for almost a week.

Ovaries (and mind) blown.

Hello Bump is Mamamia’s pregnancy and birth podcast. Hosted by Bec Judd and Monique Bowley, it’s everything to expect – and some things you’re not – when you’re expecting. Listen to the full episode here:

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