Can Stress Impact My Fertility?

by Monica A. Smith, DO

Dear Doctor,

I've been trying to get pregnant for months with no luck, which has been pretty stressful. Could stress be impacting my fertility?

Signed,
"Ready To Be a Mom"

Dear Ready to Be a Mom,

It's possible. The body's response to stress—whether physical, emotional, or mental—can interfere with reproductive processes. It can cause hormone imbalances. When the body is under stress, it produces higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), which can disrupt the balance of other reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations can interfere with ovulation, making it more difficult for a woman to conceive. Thus, stress can lead to irregular menstrual cycles.

Infertility can bring up a wide range of emotions, but women don't have to navigate this journey alone. Practicing self-care, seeking emotional support, and coping with stress are essential to maintaining mental and emotional health. It's okay to have good days and bad days, and it's okay to ask for help when needed. Each step a couple can take toward managing the emotional impact of infertility can bring them closer to healing and clarity. 

Talking about fertility issues with your partner, family and friends can be difficult because it's a deeply personal and emotional topic. Whether you're discussing it with your partner, family, or friends, it's important to approach these conversations with openness, honesty, and sensitivity. 

Here are some tips to talk with your partner:

• Be honest about your feelings. Start with open communication and acknowledge the emotional weight of it all. Infertility can be hard on a relationship, so recognize that both people may experience different emotions. Encourage each other to express how the process is affecting both of you.
• Infertility may bring up feelings of guilt, blame, or self-doubt. Try to avoid placing blame on each other—remember, infertility is often a shared challenge. Be kind and understanding with each other during tough times. 
• Check in regularly with each other. Keep communication open as you both go through different stages of fertility treatment or trying to conceive. Regular check-ins allow both of you to express how you're doing emotionally and adjust plans as needed. 

Use these guidelines to discuss infertility with your family and friends:

• Decide what you're comfortable sharing and set boundaries. It's completely okay to decide how much to share with family. You might want to keep certain aspects private, especially if you don't want to deal with unsolicited advice or questions. You don't owe anyone an explanation about your fertility unless you feel ready to share.
• Be honest but brief. If you choose to open up, keep your explanation simple. You don't need to go into all the details of treatments or struggles. Just say something like, "We've been trying to conceive, and it's been more difficult than we expected." 
• If you're comfortable, it might be helpful to talk about fertility with your families and friends as a couple. This way, your partner can share their thoughts and feelings, too. 

Joining a support group can be a good way of coping with the stress and ups and downs of the infertility process. 


Monica A. Smith, DO, Lexington Women's Care White Knoll