IS STRESS CO-RELATED WITH INFERTILITY?

The co-relation between stress and infertility has been long debated. Although stress does not directly affect fertility, it might affect certain body functions, which in turn can affect fertility as explained Dr Rama Sofat.

What is Stress?

Stress is a situation that challenges our normal state of mind. Although we need some kind of stress to challenge and keep us motivated, chronic stress is not good for you. Chronic stress, if left untreated, can lead to anxieties and phobias.

Is stress degrading your fertility?

The answer to this question is yes. Every individual reacts differently to stressful situations. In some conditions of people, stress can affect the area of the brain that regulates some reproductive functions as explained Dr Rama Sofat.

. For instance, the hypothalamus gland in the brain regulates the hormone that is responsible for timely egg release from the ovary. This is the same gland that controls the testosterone hormone levels in men.

Stress affects female fertility?

If a person is going through physical or mental stress, it can hinder or delay ovulation, which means you will either ovulate later than expected or not ovulate at all. Such changes in ovulation are known as stress-induced anovulation. However, the good thing is that if you are experiencing delayed ovulation due to stress, it cannot cause permanent infertility.

Women with hectic jobs are those most at risk, and are often most in denial about the stress in their lives, say researchers.

They also found that simple 'taking therapies' can reverse the effect of stress and boost a woman's chances of becoming pregnant as explained Dr Rama Sofat.

Tips to reduce stress

Be positive – Having a positive attitude will help you cope with the stressful situations you come across in life.

Engage in regular exercise – Regular, moderate exercise is known to have stress-reduction capabilities.

Change your diet – Include foods that are healthy. Reduce eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats. Eat a few hours before bedtime as explained Dr Rama Sofat.