Yes, stress can affect fertility in females. Women who experience high levels of stress have two times more difficulty in conceiving as women who were not stressed.
It is seen that, women experiencing high levels of stress who underwent In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) were also were less likely to have a successful pregnancy.
How??
- Stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a system that regulates stress hormones. This disruption can lead to changes in ovulation
- Poor egg quality,
- Decreased sexual drive
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Changes in the lining of the uterus, which can make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.
While stress alone does not cause infertility, it can certainly make it more difficult to conceive.
Here are some tips for managing stress:
- Identify your stressors and strategies for dealing with them.
- Practice relaxation techniques– deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
- Get regular exercise– Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least 5 days of the week.
- Develop a strong support system
- Get enough sleep– When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress
- Consult a psychiatrist
If you are concerned about the impact of stress on your fertility, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your individual risk factors and recommend strategies for managing stress.
