Does stress lead to infertility? There is a definite link, say studies. Infertility, if allowed to, can play havoc in a marriage. The stress can put excessive strain on relationships. But can this stress in turn be a cause for infertility? Researchers have not been able to build a direct, conclusive relationship between stress and infertility. However, we seem to hear more and more cases of infertility, more fertility specialistclinics and research centers opening up across the globe. And we canthelp but wonder if these things have anything to do with the hecticpace of modern lifestyle. In this articleCan stress affect fertility?Here are some theories that link stress with infertilityTreating stress to treat infertilityIs it really that simple?Can stress affect fertility?Here are some theories that link stress with infertility:Many researchers believe stress canmeddle with hormonal functions. There are some hormones that regulateovulation or the maturation and release of an egg. Stress, according tosome, leads to neurochemical changes that may affect timely andsystematic release of these hormones.Besides, the uterus and the fallopian tubes are linked to the brainthrough nerve fibers. Stress cancause spasms in the tubes and uterus. So, even if the egg has beenfertilized, spasms can make its movement to the uterus difficult. Andin some cases when the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, spasms canobstruct successful implantation.Another theory finds that psychological factors, unlikebiological causes, play a limited role in disrupting fertility. Theybelieve tensions can make people develop certain habits like smoking,drug abuse, not exercising, eating poorly or binging and gainingweight. These habits have been closely linked to fertility disruption.Some infertility experts also give importance to the age oldlink between stress and insomnia. According to them, people withstressful lives get less sleep. This disturbs the daily rhythm ofhormones related to reproduction.Another theory relates stress with fertility problemsin men. It may affect the sperm structure and sperm count. It is commonfor doctors to use psychological therapy to treat erectile dysfunction,as they believe undue stress can be a cause.Treating stress to treat infertilityIf we believe the above theories to be true, can we then treat infertility by treating stress? Yes, says a study done by researchers from Emory University in Atlanta.The women under the study had functional hypothalamic amennhorea (FHA).Their menstrual cycle was disrupted for 6 months by a gradual decreasein the levels of hormones that stimulate ovulation.According to the researchers, 6 out of 8 women when given cognitive behavior therapywere able to attain full fertility.However, the study is limited in scope because there are many women whoface infertility for many reasons other than ovulatory dysfunction.Is it really that simple?To accept the idea thatinfertility can be treated by relieving stress makes things worse forcouples battling infertility. It becomes a vicious cycle for them:infertility causes stress which in turn leads to continued infertility.They might blame themselves for their medical condition.Human beings, most scientists will say, do not have the ability to curethemselves through just positive thinking. Moreover, it is a fact thatwomen dont stop having children even after highly stressful andadverse situations like natural disasters or wars.Counseling and therapy does help couples to make betterdecisions. It also gives them the strength to go through ordealsrelated to infertility. But can any counselor guarantee pregnancythrough therapy?Scientists have not been able to prove conclusively that stress and infertilityhave a cause and effect relationship. However, we know that astress-less life helps us sleep better, eat better and live better. Allthis nourishes our body. Even if tensions do not lead to infertility,learning ways and methods to relax will always hold us in good stead for the future.
Does stress lead to infertility? There is a definite link, say studies. Infertility, if allowed to, can play havoc in a marriage. The stress can put excessive strain on relationships. But can this stress in turn be a cause for infertility? Researchers have not been able to build a direct, conclusive relationship between stress and infertility. However, we seem to hear more and more cases of infertility, more fertility specialistclinics and research centers opening up across the globe. And we can'thelp but wonder if these things have anything to do with the hecticpace of modern lifestyle.
Can stress affect fertility?
Here are some theories that link stress with infertility:
Many researchers believe stress canmeddle with hormonal functions. There are some hormones that regulateovulation or the maturation and release of an egg. Stress, according tosome, leads to neurochemical changes that may affect timely andsystematic release of these hormones.Besides, the uterus and the fallopian tubes are linked to the brainthrough nerve fibers. Stress cancause spasms in the tubes and uterus. So, even if the egg has beenfertilized, spasms can make its movement to the uterus difficult. Andin some cases when the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, spasms canobstruct successful implantation.
Another theory finds that psychological factors, unlikebiological causes, play a limited role in disrupting fertility. Theybelieve tensions can make people develop certain habits like smoking,drug abuse, not exercising, eating poorly or binging and gainingweight. These habits have been closely linked to fertility disruption.
Some infertility experts also give importance to the age oldlink between stress and insomnia. According to them, people withstressful lives get less sleep. This disturbs the daily rhythm ofhormones related to reproduction.
Another theory relates stress with fertility problemsin men. It may affect the sperm structure and sperm count. It is commonfor doctors to use psychological therapy to treat erectile dysfunction,as they believe undue stress can be a cause.
Treating stress to treat infertility
If we believe the above theories to be true, can we then treat infertility by treating stress? Yes, says a study done by researchers from Emory University in Atlanta.
The women under the study had functional hypothalamic amennhorea (FHA).Their menstrual cycle was disrupted for 6 months by a gradual decreasein the levels of hormones that stimulate ovulation.According to the researchers, 6 out of 8 women when given cognitive behavior therapywere able to attain full fertility.However, the study is limited in scope because there are many women whoface infertility for many reasons other than ovulatory dysfunction.
Is it really that simple?
To accept the idea thatinfertility can be treated by relieving stress makes things worse forcouples battling infertility. It becomes a vicious cycle for them:infertility causes stress which in turn leads to continued infertility.They might blame themselves for their medical condition.Human beings, most scientists will say, do not have the ability to curethemselves through just positive thinking. Moreover, it is a fact thatwomen don't stop having children even after highly stressful andadverse situations like natural disasters or wars.
Counseling and therapy does help couples to make betterdecisions. It also gives them the strength to go through ordealsrelated to infertility. But can any counselor guarantee pregnancythrough therapy?
Scientists have not been able to prove conclusively that stress and infertilityhave a cause and effect relationship. However, we know that astress-less life helps us sleep better, eat better and live better. Allthis nourishes our body. Even if tensions do not lead to infertility,learning ways and methods to relax will always hold us in good stead for the future.
