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Infertility Causes - How Does Stress Affect Fertility

A story about stress and infertility most of us have heard is the one where a woman finally adopts a child because she hasn't been able to conceive one, then gets pregnant as soon as she brings the adopted child home. This may lead us to believe that stress is one of the causes of infertility. Unfortunately, the issue is not as simple as this.

Even though there is evidence to suggest stress as one of the infertility causes, women in extremely stressful situations have been conceiving since the beginning of time.

Women in countries where there is starvation and warfare are under the most stressful situations imaginable. Yet, many of them still conceive children. This means that stress infertility may not be as common as many of us think.

There are truly not very many people who are absolutely infertile. The problem of unexplained infertility often has to do with timing problems or other problems that are easily fixed. Stress is one of these problems.

While there is not enough evidence to draw a clear conclusion on all of the ways that stress affects infertility, it is known that stress can affect hormone secretion, a vital part of conception. Stress affects fertility when it diminishes sex drive. It may also affect sperm and egg development.

In a few cases, stress can delay or prevent ovulation, but this is rare. When this happens, it is not often a permanent problem, but varies on a month to month basis.

Women who are under an extreme amount of stress sometimes stop menstruating for a period of time. Without menstruation, there is no possibility of conception. Some experts also believe that reducing stress enhances proteins in the lining of a woman's uterus that aid in fertilized egg implantation.

So, even though there is no consistent data on stress and fertility, it makes sense that reducing stress can help reduce the effects of stress on fertility.

Methods to Reduce Stress Infertility

• Communication - When couples can communicate effectively about how they are feeling, both as a couple and with the rest of the world, they are less stressed out. Counseling, self-help books, and support groups can help people communicate and let them know that they are not alone.
• Exercise - Being physically active drastically reduces the effects of stress on the body. Taking a yoga class or time to take a walk each day can do wonders for a person's frame of mind.
• Eat Well - Caffeine and other natural stimulants can increase physical and emotional tension. Reducing the intake of harmful substances and having a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help the body handle stress more effectively.

Even though stress is known to be one of the infertility causes, it is definitely not a permanent problem. Couples with this problem need not worry too much. With the right tools and stress reduction techniques, any effects of stress on infertility are minimized and conceiving a child becomes possible again.

The previous article is on having a Pregnancy Test.

Other wiki resources:  improve fertility; ovulation period; infertility causes; preparing for pregnancy; getting pregnant