Stress has been linked to infertility in numerous studies. Many believe that today's modern stressful lifestyle is a primary cause of the frustrating "unexplained infertility" diagnosis. The ironic part is that infertility causes stress and stress causes infertility. The challenge is of course, breaking the cycle.
How does stress cause infertility? There are a number of possibilities.
Hypothalamus
Stress is defined as an event that you perceive as potentially harmful, whether or not you are actually in danger. This event could be a lion attack, an argument with your spouse or a deadline at work. When you are stressed you body responds by preparing to protect itself against this perceived threat with the classic "flight or fight" response.
During times of stress, your hypothalamus gland releases hormones that activate your hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal system causing it to release catecholamines and cortisol and subsequently the activity level of all your major organs increases. The hypothalamus not only regulates stress but also releases sex hormones. This can affect menstruation, ovulation, and sperm count. Many think that this is an important factor in the stress-infertility connection.
Long term or chronic stress can lead to adrenal exhaustion which happens when your hypothalmus is just worn out and it is begins producing elevated or diminished levels of cortisol constantly. Elevated level of cortisols will not only impact your fertility but also your immune system and bone health. Diminished levels of cortisol will influence estrogen and progesterone levels.
Emotional & Physical Changes
Studies have proven that stress reduces sperm count and mobility, although researches are not sure why exactly that is. Additionally, a modern day man under stress may experience erectile dysfunction and a decreased interest in sex which can obviously impact a couples fertility.
Chronic stress can lead to irregular sleep patterns and depression which can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices to compensate. Most Americans will overdo on coffee to compensate for lack of sleep, which can have a detrimental effect on fertility. Others will choose drinking, smoking or drugs (legal or illegal) to combat drowsiness or depression, all of which can impair fertility.
Relationship Stress
Failing to conceive can be exceptionally stressful. The feeling of helplessness compounds any stress the couple is already under. The charting, tracking, planned sex, doctor's visits and disappointment month after month leads to chronic stress. Pressure and unsolicited advice from friends and family also can add to the stress burden. Infertility treatments themselves can create enormous physical and mental stress from the invasive, painful and embarrassing procedures. The treatments also create an enormous financial burden which can increase stress levels further.
Finally, the stress of infertility can lead to strained relationship with your partner. This can lead to intimacy issues and infrequent yet contrived attempts which only exacerbates the problem.
Some Solutions
Stress is such an intangible, which is probably why couples get even more frustrated and have a difficult time actually addressing the issue and reducing their stress levels. If you know the cause of stress, such as a difficult relationship, do something positive to reduce the stress like seeking counseling or minimizing time with the offending person.
If you are not sure why you are so tense and ragged around the edges, then do not hesitate to seek counseling or even just ask a good friend if they see something in your life that seems to really get to you. Try keeping a diary or journal to track your reactions to certain events. Maybe just learning to say 'no' or losing that pesky desire to please others can liberate you from chronic stress.
Sometimes you cannot avoid the stressor such as if your boss is a total jerk or if you live with your nosy mother-in-law. In that case the best advice is to take steps to manage your stress internally. This is an excellent lifestyle choice whether you are trying to conceive or not. Inner peace has been a goal of millions throughout the ages, and with good reason. It will improve the quality of your life and health dramatically. Here are some fairly basic ways to manage your internal stress:
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Learn how to meditate and practice twice a day
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Take up yoga
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Get at least eight hours of quality, quiet, cool, dark sleep, just do it.
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Take a walk every day
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Get some sun every day
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Do not eat processed or fast food
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Visit a spa, hit the sauna, take a steam and get a massage periodically
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Use positive affirmations every day
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Keep a diary or journal
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Seek counseling or a support group
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Try hypnosis or biofeedback
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Take a vacation you can afford
There are other many other stress reducing techniques but the ones mentioned are some of the most effective. Simply doing the top three: yoga, meditation and a good night's sleep will go tremendous lengths toward reducing your stress levels and providing some inner peace and tranquility.