Transcript
Hello and welcome to Fertile Minds.
I’m Dr. Daniel Lansburg, a fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF.
Stress is something everyone experiences day to day, whether it’s slow-moving traffic, being late for an important meeting, the rising cost of living, an overwhelming workload, or family pressures. Unfortunately, stress can have a significant impact in several areas of our lives, including fertility. Today, I’m going to discuss stress and fertility, the impact it has, and ways to relieve it.
So, how can stress impact fertility?
Stress can significantly impact fertility and make it more challenging for couples trying to conceive. There are several ways in which stress can affect fertility, and here are some of them:
Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that can interfere with reproductive hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH). This interference can disrupt the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and even sperm production.
In women, chronic stress can lead to anovulation, where the ovary does not release an egg during the menstrual cycle. This can cause irregular menstrual cycles or even amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation, making it difficult to predict the fertile window.
Although controversial, some reports suggest that stress can affect the quantity and quality of sperm. Stress may reduce sperm count, sperm movement, and sperm morphology (shape), all of which are critical factors for successful fertilization.
Stress can also lead to a decrease in libido and sexual activity, reducing the frequency of intercourse. Additionally, stress can cause erectile dysfunction in men and pain during intercourse in women, both of which can hinder conception efforts in heterosexual couples.
People under stress may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, or poor sleep—all of which can negatively impact fertility.
Let’s talk a little bit about the impact of stress on IVF outcomes, as this is subject to ongoing debate. Some studies suggest that stress, particularly chronic stress, can negatively affect certain stages of the IVF process, such as egg retrieval, fertilization, and hormonal balance. However, other research indicates that stress does not significantly impact overall IVF success rates. The mixed results of studies highlight the complexity of the relationship between stress and IVF, suggesting that while Stress Management may improve overall well-being, it is not definitively a predictor of IVF success.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways stress can be managed. This includes practices such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises, which can help reduce stress levels.
Talking to a therapist or joining a support group can provide emotional support and coping strategies. At Verus Health Clinics, we offer complimentary counseling with experienced professionals to support you through the trying-to-conceive journey.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can improve your overall well-being and help reduce stress. Reducing work-related stress by managing time effectively and setting realistic goals can also help. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and taking the time to relax are all great ways to alleviate stress.
Remember, high levels of ongoing stress can have a damaging effect on many aspects of your life and impact people in different ways. If you’re feeling pressure and stress, which are common while trying to have a baby, please don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor so they can help strategize ways to alleviate it.
Thanks for watching. For all things fertility, please feel free to subscribe!
Want to learn more? Talk to the fertility experts. For general enquiries or to book your first appointment, please call us at (03) 9473 4490.