How does stress relate to infertility?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You hear stories all the time. As soon as a seemingly infertile couple decides to stop trying and go the adoption route, bam, the woman becomes pregnant. There's a reason for this: The stress of trying so hard has stopped. In fact, research shows that women who are emotionally expressive about fertility treatments had a harder time getting pregnant than those who were better able to deal with the stress of infertility internally.
This applies to men, too. Stress seems to affect both sperm quality and quantity, making it more difficult to conceive. Historically, when we faced stress in our environment (like a famine), our ancestors were in no position to make babies. In the male, increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol seem to inhibit production of normal semen. In women, increased cortisol influences the other stress hormones coming from the ovaries and adds a supersonic drum roll to a very delicate symphony. The resulting cacophony makes pregnancy very difficult. And contrary to popular wisdom, you can be too thin (to your body, that's also a form of stress). If you have a BMI of less than 20, you may increase your chances of getting pregnant by gaining 5 to 10 pounds.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
You hear stories all the time. As soon as a seemingly infertile couple decides to stop trying and go the adoption route, bam, the woman becomes pregnant. There's a reason for this: The stress of trying so hard has stopped. In fact, research shows... More -
Dr. Pravin Rao of Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:This is an important question, since infertility itself is known to be very stressful. For most men, mild or moderate amounts of stress likely do not affect fertility in a major way. However, it is probably safe to say that stress does not help either. While little is known about the exact mechanisms by which stress fracture fertility, it is believed that severe stress could potentially affect sperm production or function and by affecting hormonal systems in the body, or creating chemicals that affect testis function or sperm directly.
This is an important question, since infertility itself is known to be very stressful. For most men, mild or moderate amounts of stress likely do not affect fertility in a major way. However, it is probably safe to say that stress does not help... More -
Dr. Alice Domar answered:The relationship between stress and fertility is complex, and goes both ways. Infertility causes a lot of stress because it can impact every area of one's life-your relationship with your partner, your sex life, your job, your relationship with your family and friends, your financial stability, and your relationship with god (why won't god answer my prayers?). Many women experiencing infertility report feeling anxious and depressed and their stress levels are equivalent to the stress levels of women with cancer, HIV+, or heart disease. Conversely, we know that stress makes women less likely to stay in treatment, it is unpleasant, and it is associated with lower pregnancy rates from treatment. But the good news is that various relaxation and stress management strategies can help, both to make you better able to cope, and it can help increase one's chance of conceiving.
PS: The adoption/conception connection is actually an old wives tale-research shows that a certain percentage of couples that stop infertility treatment experience a surprise pregnancy, whether or not they adopt.
The relationship between stress and fertility is complex, and goes both ways. Infertility causes a lot of stress because it can impact every area of one's life-your relationship with your partner, your sex life, your job, your relationship with your... More -
Dr. Sarah LoBisco answered:The effects of stress on one’s body are multifactorial.
The impact is especially great when trying to conceive. This is because stress revs up the body's nervous system that responds to survival vs. the counterpart system for reproduction.
Specifically, hormonal production of progesterone will shift to cortisol. Neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline and norepinephrine will increase and change patterns in thyroid signaling. This will negatively impact estrogen balance and the adrenal glands output of sex hormone precursors. The final result of this hormonal shift is improper timing in the menstrual cycle.
Stress also affects the hormone insulin's use at the cellular level. During stress, usage of glucose is shunted aware to be used for energy reserve. In simple terms, when the body is in "Fight and Flight" mode, it can't "Digest and Rest".
This results in fewer nutrients available for mom, much less for another little one inside her. Mom may start to crave sugar and put on weight, which further complicates pregnancy and more digestive and nutrient assimilation complications.
Studies have pointed to the link between stress and inflammation. One recent study showed an women who thought stressful thoughts had higher Substance P compared to women who were thinking more calming thoughts.
In other words, instead of optimizing hormonal and digestive health for a new baby, excess stress on the body results in hormones and neurotransmitters that cause more inflammation and immune modulating signals, a “fight and flight” vs. “rest and digest” nervous system, and quick energy supply to muscles vs. to the baby.
The effects of stress on one’s body are multifactorial. The impact is especially great when trying to conceive. This is because stress revs up the body's nervous system that responds to survival vs. the counterpart system for reproduction.... More -
Dr. Alan Copperman of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Infertility can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety, both individually and as a couple. Receiving support of friends, families, and professionals can help get couples through the process. There are effective coping strategies that have been found to help both the patient and partner. While there is clear evidence that infertility causes stress, it is not clear that stress impacts fertility. The human body is rather resilient when it comes to emotional stress, to the point where if a normal egg is released, it will fertilize and implant regardless whether the women is “relaxed” or “stressed.”Infertility can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety, both individually and as a couple. Receiving support of friends, families, and professionals can help get couples through the process. There are effective coping strategies that have been... More
