Many recent studies reveal that day-to-day stress reduces the chances of pregnancy in women significantly. Female Infertility is not a medical condition that a body attains in a single day; it’s a gradual process and has several contributing factors.
Insights Of The Latest Research
As per the latest research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Endocrinology, stress significantly reduces ovarian reserve.
The study involved female rats as the samples to observe the impact of stress on the reproductive system. Under this research, all the samples were exposed to screaming sounds leading to anxiety and stress.
The results concluded lower ovarian reserve and, ultimately, increased inclination toward female infertility.
Well, this is just an example of single research. Scientists conducted multiple studies, and the conclusive output of all the research remains unchanged.
Facts From Different Research That Depicts Stress and Female InFertility Are Related:
The results that were conducted to check if stress is one of the primary Causes of Infertility were either inconclusive or reflected the positive results.
Study In Boston University in 2018:
- According to a study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health, ‘ The women who have higher stress levels have lower chances of pregnancy than those who have minimal or managed stress levels.’
- Also, positive pregnancy results are low if the stress level is higher in one partner than in the other.
- Stress does not only cause female infertility, but it also reduces male fertility significantly.
- Another revelation from the study says there are no significant results that reflect the long-term effects on female fertility, but short-term effects are prominent. Say, for example, anxiety can cause irregular periods, affect the quality of eggs, and cause difficulty in getting positive pregnancy results, but managing stress can normalize fertility.
Science Behind Stress and Fertility:
Different studies conducted in the UK also support the fact that stress is one of the prominent causes of Infertility.
- According to research done on the saliva of women unveil, ‘For the women with higher levels of the alpha-amylaze enzyme have 29% lower chances of pregnancy.’
- Other studies reveal that there exist biological connections between emotional stress and fertility issues. It is all because of the link and structure of the body that rolls down to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Special Note:
How does HPA Connect Stress and Fertility?
As your body perceives stress, the hypothalamus gland of your brain sends a signal to the pituitary gland. It is an indication that you are under high-stress levels and require assistance. The pituitary reacts and calls for help by sending a signal to the adrenal glands, telling them to release the stress hormone cortisol.
Basically, the higher stress levels lead to hormonal imbalances, which is the prominent short-term cause of infertility, both in males and females.
Wish to Conceive? Start Managing Stress.
Over 1 in 6 couples in India is bearing infertility issues. Although it’s possible to conceive with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, some reasons reduce the chances of conception even through ART procedures.
One of the many reasons that lead to Female Infertility or reduce the chances of pregnancy through advanced ART procedures is stress. If you are one of those who are planning pregnancy and suffer from anxiety or stress, you must first opt for pre-pregnancy planning.
As the studies reveal, stress has a short-term impact, so you and your partner can take steps for stress management and then proceed with a pregnancy.
Starting pregnancy without stress management will only lead to failed pregnancies (Be it Natural or Through IVF). So make a balanced routine, involve things that can relax you and avail of the desired results.
Stay Tuned For More Updates to Manage Female Infertility and Male Infertility.
