Causes of Infertility

This article may be of interest to women who have tried to conceive without success.

Women who have struggled to become pregnant often conceive after they give up trying and can relax.  Often there is too much intensity and focus placed on the need to conceive.  Research shows that stress can double the risk of infertility.  Scientists have recommended stress-management techniques such as yoga and meditation when there is difficulty in conceiving naturally. 

Research also has shown that women with the highest levels of stress hormones in their saliva were far more likely to fail to get pregnant within 12 months of trying.

Clinical infertility is defined by being unable to conceive within a year despite regular unprotected sex.

Dr. Courtney Denning-Johnson Lynch, from Ohio State University in the US said:  “We have demonstrated that women with high levels of stress biomarkers have a lower probability of becoming pregnant compared to women with low levels of this biomarker.

For the first time, we have shown that this effect is potentially clinically meaningful, as it is associated with a greater than twofold increased risk of infertility among these women.”

Dr Lynch has suggested yoga and meditation for those hoping to become pregnant but she pointed out that stress is not the only factor involved in fertility problems and may play only a minor role.

The study’s co-author Dr Germaine Buck Louis, from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Rockville, US, said:  “Eliminating stressors before trying to become pregnant may shorten the time couples need to become pregnant in comparison to ignoring stress.”

“The good news is that women most likely will know which stress reduction strategy works best for them, since a one-size fits all solution is not likely.”

The study is the first time a link between infertility and high stress levels has been made.  Researchers think stress may affect hormones which control ovulation.  Women may also change their lifestyle in response to stress triggers, including drinking or smoking more heavily, both of which lower the changes of conceiving naturally.

Dr Lynch said:  “As you continue to try to conceive and it’s been five, six months, and perhaps you’re not yet pregnant then maybe it’s something you might want to look at in terms of improving your overall lifestyle.”

Source:  Sarah Knapton, Science Correspondent, Daily Telegraph, Monday 24^th March 2014

Dr Courtney Denning-Johnson Lynch,

Dr Germaine Buck Louis,