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Stress and Infertility

Introduction

There is an obvious link between infertility and stress. Stress can be defined as a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences, and capable of affecting physical health. Infertility can be a very difficult journey, involving an array of tests, medical appointments and treatments. This process can be an extremely emotional one, and the strength of this emotional impact can often be unexpected and difficult to cope with.

Why Infertility Causes Stress

A diagnosis of infertility can result in strong emotions including shock, anger, anxiety and a sense of loss. Not having control over one's own fertility can be extremely difficult to come to terms with. This can threaten an individual's/couple's life plans, and parenthood goals. The resultant medical intervention that leads patients to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can be draining physically, emotionally and financially. These difficulties are only exacerbated upon undertaking ART procedures themselves. Challenges can occur in relationships with partners during this time, as individuals can cope in different ways, and a couple's intimacy is often reduced by the infertility experience.

Can Stress Cause Infertility?

There is no conclusive evidence that suggests that stress can cause infertility. Although stress alone cannot be attributed as the sole cause of infertility, if left untreated, the resulting physical and behavioural changes might have some impact on fertility.

Tips For Stress Reduction

Communication is vital; be open with your partner, and with medical professionals.
Ask questions from all the ART staff (doctors, nurses, counsellors, accounts etc), and always request further information if something is not clear.
Access information and research the cause of your infertility and your infertility treatment. Having a clear understanding of what is happening is extremely important.
Identify your supports - are all family members and friends good supports, or are they adding to your stress? Link into those that help you, and access the counsellors at the IVF clinic, as they have expert knowledge on how to assist you.
Consider support groups. It can really help talking to people who have been through similar experiences. The IVF clinic can assist you in accessing these.
Find stress reduction techniques that are effective for you, such as yoga, meditation or exercise.

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