Stress and Infertility – Is There a Link?

You just got home from an exhausting day of work. No amount of filing, typing, etc can ever complete your day of work and deadlines are looming.

Back home, the spouse beckons you into the bedroom with a finger and an impish smile. Yet you’d rather just slouch on the couch with a cold beer in hand because you know nothing is going to happen tonight as your exhaustion has taken over and you’ve been facing an infertile wall for a while.

Could there be a link between your level of stress and infertility you are facing?

Even doctors are looking to see if there is a link. Nothing concrete has been proven yet but more studies are being done, “It’s becoming more and more important, in terms of what studies we do, to focus our efforts on the physiological effects of stress and how they may play a role in conception," says Margareta D. Pisarska, MD, co-director of Centre for Reproductive Medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles and editor-in-chief of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine News.

It is possible that stress might be a factor that is causing infertility as it reduces the sperm count in men and upsets the ovulation process in women. But, could it be vice versa? Could infertility be causing you stress?

If you’ve been trying for the last few months but still getting negative results, that can put a damper on things in life. Try not to let it get to you or it can escalate into depression and anxiety.

Have a chat with the old girl. She might be stressed out as well over this infertility business. Have some light music, some fine wine and talk to her about your problems. You do not have to suffer from infertility in silence.

With the way the economy is taking a bad turn at events, it’s no wonder you’re stressed. Try the tips below to unwind and remember, infertility can cause stress and stress might be causing infertility but there is nothing that says you can’t break that pattern!

Tips to reduce stress

1) Acupuncture

This helps greatly in calming yourself and also works on your fertility.

2) Exercise

Get out there and do some jogging but don’t overdo it. Top this up with a balanced diet.

3) Sleep

Get your 8 hours and try to sneak in a power nap if possible. You’ll wake up feeling you are ready to conquer the world (or at least the office)!

4) Sit and eat

You’re that person who buys a sandwich, sneaks in bites, at the same time, walks around to pay that cable bill at 7-11, buys stamps and talks to the wife/hubby on the phone, aren’t you? Well, try to sit and enjoy your lunch. It helps you to unwind more than you can imagine!

5) Eat small meals frequently

By doing this, your sugar level is more stable and adrenalin is released slowly.

6) Drink water

How can we not over-emphasise on the importance of this? We can’t. DRINK WATER! It’s crucially important but try not to do so during a meal.

7) Qi movement

Try to have more peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, turmeric and thyme in your diet as this will aid in moving the Qi.

8) Vacation

Regardless of the link between stress and infertility, maybe it’s time you and the Mrs. took a few days of work to relax! Enjoy the outdoors to nearby Bintan or Batam. It won’t put a hole in the wallet and really, can you say no to a Pina Colada, the wife lying on your shoulder and the sea breeze in your hair?