“Stop trying so hard! It will happen when you least expect it.” 

This is a common phrase many of us have heard if we or someone we know has had a hard time getting pregnant. Starting a family can be a very stressful event, especially if you are one of the 7.3 million couples who are struggling to get pregnant. Up until now, there has been no scientific proof that links stress and infertility. 

Finally, there are some facts to support this connection. In late March 2014, a study was published in the Human Reproduction journal stating that women who have high levels of a biomarker for stress in their saliva took 29% longer to become pregnant compared to those with lower levels. Those with high levels of the stress indicator were also twice as likely to meet the clinical definition of infertility. 

While this is only a small study, it may help us understand this issue and stress as a possible marker.  

Patients with infertility problems may benefit from a holistic approach. Complementary care, like acupuncture treatments, can be recommended for patients who have a harder time keeping their stress under check. Experts do not know exactly how or why it works, but it has a way of channeling blood flow and helping patients achieve a more relaxed state.  

There are also local support groups that provide emotional help for couples going through infertility. These groups can be a great lifeline for many couples who are struggling to overcome their anxiety. 

Physicians also recommend patients be wary of what they read on the internet. 

There is so much information available that it can create great anxiety for couples suffering from infertility. Oftentimes, the stories you read online are serious cases, not the norm. It’s best to consult your physician for the facts.

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