5 Common Women’s Health Myths Experts Say It’s Time to Stop Believing

Women’s health is often surrounded by misinformation, much of it passed down through word of mouth or amplified online. 

To separate fact from fiction, Life & Style spoke with health experts and physicians who are setting the record straight on some of the most common myths women still believe.

Myth 1: Miscarriages Are Rare

Despite increased public conversations around pregnancy loss, many people still assume miscarriages are uncommon—or something that happens to “other people.” According to Rhiana Saunders, MD, that belief couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Experiencing a pregnancy loss can be isolating, but it isn’t a rare occurrence,” Saunders tells Life & Style. “As many as half of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage, with a majority of those happening during the first trimester, or before 12 weeks.”

So why do miscarriages happen so frequently? Saunders explains that most are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the embryo from developing normally—factors that are entirely outside a woman’s control.

“For women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss, which is defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages, there may be an underlying cause that can be evaluated and treated by a fertility specialist,” she adds.