Stress & Infertility

No one can fully understand the great frustration of couples who so much want to have a child and yet seem to be unable to conceive.  If you and your partner are finding it difficult to become pregnant, you are not alone. It might surprise you that the American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that there are 6.1 million people dealing with infertility in the United States alone – that is roughly 10% of those trying to conceive. Fortunately, there are many tests and procedures that can identify and treat the causes of infertility.  Unfortunately, many of these amazing procedures are very expensive (e.g. cost of one cycle of in vitro fertilization can cost over several thousand dollars, not including medications).

But going for expensive tests and procedures is usually not the first step to take. The National Infertility Association says that most physicians recommend couples try to conceive for a year before seeking medical assistance.

Stress and fertility

Infertility has many causes. Statistics indicate that approximately 10-15 percent of infertility cases are due to ovulation problems; 30-40 percent to such male factors as low sperm count, 30-40 percent to pelvic disease; 10-15 percent to cervical problems (Barry Herman, M.D. and Susan Perry, Ph.D.).

Sometimes behind these physical problems is an emotional one that either causes or compounds difficulties with conception that are already present. Abnormal levels of stress hormones in the system can affect sperm production and prevent or delay ovulation.  When a couple is already stressed because of their infertility, a stress-leading-to-more-stress viscous cycle can be produced (Matthew Peterson M.D.)

All stress is not created equal

Stress, in and of itself, is not harmful.  It is impossible to avoid upsets demands and anxiety producing situations – as the saying goes, "Life is stress and stress is life". Harm is done when no time is allowed for recovery after a bout with stress or when one or more stresses happen simultaneously or piggyback on each other.

Reducing stress increasing chances

A 1990 study of 54 women who went through a treatment program for anxiety, depression and fatigue found that 34% of the participants conceived within six months of the completion of the program (Domar, Seibel & Benson).

Another study (Journal of Fertility and Sterility, April, 2000) reported a 42% conception rate within a year of completing the psychological program.  The study recruited women who had previously been unable to conceive in the one to two years before psychological intervention.

Does it have to cost an arm and a leg to have a baby?

Medical and Dental Stress            Home            Contact us