Does Stress Actually Affect Fertility?

It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. It is not known whether high levels of stress can prevent pregnancy or affect a woman’s chance of conceiving. We do know that reducing stress provides a better quality of life during times of intense personal challenge.

What is stress?

Stress is often defined as an event that a person sees/feels is threatening. In order to protect itself, the body responds with a “fight or flight” response.

How can stress impact a fertility patient?

Sometimes, infertility patients respond to the stress of being unable to conceive by aggressively pursuing treatment and procedures. Other patients withdraw and isolate from family, friends, and community. Neither of these extremes is ideal for patients who seek to treat their infertility and build a family.