Are Stress and Infertility Connected?

Stress and infertility are linked in more ways than one.

Infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected regular sexual activity.

Did you know that infertility affects one in six couples? On average, a little more than seven million couples in the US or about 10 percent of all couples of childbearing age are unable to conceive.

No, you are not alone, it just seems like you are.

I am coming from the perspective of total health and wellness, the integration of body, mind and spirit, when discussing stress and infertility.

Stress is not the main reason for not conceiving. Physical issues with the man or the woman are the main causes of infertility.

Ovulation abnormalities and sperm deficiencies are responsible for two-thirds of infertility problems.

A woman may suffer from any of the following:

  • Polycystic Ovarian Disease

  • Age and infertility…waiting too long

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

  • Ovulatory Dysfunction

  • Uterine Fibroids

  • Endometriosis

  • Prenatal Exposure to DES, a synthetic estrogen

  • Pelvic Adhesions

  • Immunological Infertility

  • Blocked FallopianTubes
It is wise to seek the advice of a qualified physician or supporter when dealing with physical issues, age and infertility or stress and getting pregnant. Reach out and find the right type of support for you.

Check out the 7 stress relief tips that you can incorporate right now.

Does stress cause infertility? There is no doubt that difficulty trying to conceive causes stress. But how are they related?

John W. Travis, MD, agrees that the mind definitely can affect the body chemistry. “Even cancer can be brought on by excessive stress that weakens the immune system. Being bored, depressed, anxious or simply unhappy can set the stage for physical and mental disease.”

Stress affects hormones. It can prevent women from ovulating and can affect the man’s sperm count.

Nutrients deficiency can also contribute to stress. Discover how stress vitamins may provide some relief.

The National Institutes of Health has funded research into the relationship between stress and infertility. Researchers at Harvard and Stanford universities are also studying the issue.

The thing you should remember is that every infertility case is as personal as you are. I encourage you to do some research and find what works best for you

Many “physically healthy” couples conceive after using relaxation techniques. Check out the following supporters of stress and infertility:

  • Mind/Body Institute, Harvard Medical School

  • Books by Alice Domar, PhD, The Mind Body Centre for Women's Health at Boston IVF

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

  • Research by Dr. Sarah L. Berga, the chairman of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine

  • Resolve.org is one of many organizations providing information and support to families dealing with infertility.
No man is less masculine and no woman is less feminine because of infertility. Your body is not defective.

Sometimes it is best not to share your trials with loved ones. They may say things unknowingly that may create more anxiety and affect your self-love. You are very vulnerable right now.

It is important to find body-mind-spirit balance and learn to reduce stress. A wellness coach is a great partner that can support you in finding balance in all dimensions of wellness.

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