Stress can come from just about anything that you feel is threatening or harmful. A single event (or your worry about it) can produce stress. So can the little things that worry you all day long.
Acute stress, caused by a single event (or your fear of it), makes your heart beat faster and your blood pressure go up. You breathe harder, your hands get sweaty, and your skin feels cool and
clammy. Chronic stress, which is when you are always stressed, can cause depression and changes in your sleep habits. It can also decrease your chances of fighting off common illnesses. Stress makes many body organs work harder than normal and increases the production of some important chemicals in your body, including hormones.
Is stress causing my infertility?
Probably not. Even though infertility is very stressful, there isn’t any proof that stress causes infertility. In an occasional woman, having too much stress can change her hormone levels and therefore cause the time when she releases an egg to become delayed or not take place at all.
Is infertility causing my stress?
Maybe. Many women who are being treated for infertility have as much stress as women who have cancer or heart disease. Infertile couples experience stress each month: first they hope
that the woman is pregnant; and if she is not, the couple has to deal with their disappointment.
Why is infertility stressful?
Most couples are used to planning their lives. They may believe that if they work hard at something, they can achieve it. So when it’s hard to get pregnant, they feel as if they don’t have control of their bodies or of their goal of becoming parents. With infertility, no matter how hard you work, it may not be possible to have a baby. Infertility tests and treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. Infertility can cause a couple to grow apart, which increases stress levels. Couples may have many doctor appointments for infertility treatment, which can cause them to miss work or other activities.
What can I do to reduce my stress?
Who can help us?
Shady Grove Fertility
We offer patients a wide range of support services, including: support groups, online communities, and resourceful articles.
RESOLVE
This national support organization for couples with infertility offers support groups and online resources.
Path 2 Parenthood
Formerly the American Fertility Association, Path 2 Parenthood provides support information and weekly internet chat sessions.
Patient Fact Sheet – Stress & Infertility. Courtesy of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.
