More and more is being learned about the impact of stress on your overall health and it has been shown that it can also impact your fertility. This is because stress is associated with hormonal changes and damage to cells in the body.
Professor Luciano Nardo, founder of NOW-fertility explains: “There have been many studies showing the link between day-to-day stress and a lower chance of conceiving. There are stress hormones such as cortisol that arise when we’re stressed, and they may affect fertility.”
For those hoping to fall pregnant, this can feel like a vicious cycle – you know you should reduce your stress as much as possible, but not being able to conceive might make you feel even more anxious than ever.
“When I talk to my patients, I always say the best way to tackle it, first of all, is to make sure you have a good sleeping pattern – you need to have six, seven, eight hours of sleep every day,” says Professor Nardo.
“You need to have the opportunity to talk about your problems with somebody, don’t keep everything silent. Because if you don’t talk to anyone – about your anxieties, about your stress – then you become isolated, and more anxious.”
Professor Nardo also recommends mindfulness techniques, as well as yoga and meditation. “This is something I will always advocate to my patients. Do anything you can to feel well, because that feeling of wellbeing is of paramount importance during your fertility journey – but even more important once you start fertility treatment (if you end up doing that) because that will add to your stress.”
Top five tips to reduce your stress levels:
- Control your breathing – breathe in and out through the nose, and as you breathe, imagine all your worries melting away
- Get moving your body. Try swimming or walking, as these can counteract stress. Enlisting a friend for moral support can reduce tension further.
- Don’t neglect your favourite activities – sing, read, dance, paint. These are all great stress relievers and can help you relax and have fun.
- Enlist support from your friends and family – your loved ones are a vital part of your emotional support team.
- Monitor your health from home digitally – it is understood to help reduce stress. You can find out more here.
