Can stress affect your fertility and the ability to conceive?

Happy-G
Happy-G
Sep 6, 2018 · 4 min read

We are used to living in a world where people become easily stressed. In fact, stress is so common nowadays that people think is normal to have it and if you do not, then you must be doing something wrong. But the reality is that stress is not a beneficial thing for our health, affecting not just our body, but also our mind. Of course, fertility does not escape from stress.

Our body is prepared to prevent conception during stressful times. This is done by secreting huge amounts of adrenaline levels, which inhibits the use of progesterone and increases the higher release of prolactin by the pituitary gland, causing infertility to occur.

Recent studies show that during moments of stress our bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and catecholamines, inhibiting the release of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), responsible for the production and release of sexual hormones. This can block ovulation in women and reduce the sperm count in men while lowering libido in both sexes.

Research shows stress can interfere with fertility by preventing the actions of (GnRH). On top of that, research from the University of California Berkeley shows stress can also result in the increase of another type of hormone, the Gonadotropin-Inhibitory Hormone (GnIH), which further impedes the actions of GnRH.

GnRH is very important to achieve fertility and the ability to conceive because this is responsible for the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland capable of initiate the whole process of conception, the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). These stimulate the gonads to produce and release the sex hormones androgens and estrogens.

Stress is capable of interrupting the chain led by the GnRH, causing an insufficient release of sex hormones affecting fertility and making conception almost impossible. If this stressful blockage gets chronic, your gonads (ovaries in women and testicles in men) may not function as good as before, and in other more extreme cases, these could atrophy, no longer functioning.

This is getting common and common with the pass of the years. For this reason, experts decided to put a name to the lack of libido and decrease in fertility caused by chronic stress: Stress-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction.

According to Dr David Knight, IVF specialist from Demeter Fertility and his Huffington post interview:

“There’s also evidence acute stresses can certainly be associated with change in a woman’s cycle. So yes, we do have direct evidence that stress affects reproduction. The problem of course is, at a bigger level, how much? Being raped is pretty stressful. Being raped in a war zone is pretty stressful too. Yet we know that these women who are raped in war zones can still conceive and have babies.

What we’re talking about in many ways is not something which is an absolute. There are variations in how much it can affect an individual, like everything else we see in the world.”

Another thing to consider is that during pregnancy, dealing with stressful situations can put the baby at risk, possibly leading to premature birth and other pregnancy/birth complications.

Yoga is always a good option for stress relief, being pregnant or not. You get flexibility and strength as a bonus!

Regardless if your are trying to conceive or not, here are some basic (and obvious) tips to release everyday pressure, for free:

· Include a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients to your daily life.

· Get enough sleep, at least 7 to 8 hours a day. Don’t use your smartphone! Here 20 tips for a better, deep sleep.

· Practice a healthy exercises routine regularly. You can just walk more. No need for a Gym membership. There are also endless Youtube channels and Mobile apps that can help.

· Meditate. There are plenty of apps for mediation, like Headspace & Calm

· Practice Yoga a few times a week. You can find free Youtube Yoga Channels or use a Mobile app. Yoga houses are always an option. They are everywhere these days!

· Seek counselling. Well, this is not free most of the times. You can always explore Mobile Apps focusing in Mental Health.

· Take warm baths after work or a difficult day. I would suggest some bubblebaths here, but I believe you already have your preferences :)

· Practice a hobby that makes you happy. Even walking the dog can help. Dancing is a good option too. Whatever puts a smile in your face works.

· Talk to your partner and resolve problems. If you find difficult communicating openly and sincerely with your partner here are some books that may help.

· Have a journal to write on a daily basis. Any piece of paper could work.It doesn’t have to be a Moleskine.

Ofcourse these are just tips not guidelines. I’m sure you know better what makes you relax and less stressed. Go for it!

Because taking care of ourselves, always feels good.

Written by

Happy-G

vaginal health and fertility monitoring at home

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