But does this stress have an impact on fertility? Is it a fact that you can be infertile due to stress? Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers have long been trying to figure out exactly how stress limits fertility. A study published in the Journal Fertility and Sterility found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme that correlates with stress, have a harder time getting pregnant. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 274 women over six menstrual cycles (or until they became pregnant). It showed that the women with the highest levels of alpha-amylase during their first menstrual cycle were 12% less likely to become pregnant than women with lower levels of the enzyme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another Emory School of Medicine study, conducted by Sarah Berga, MD, found that women who had not ovulated for more than 6 months had high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The same brain regions that can regulate hormones needed for ovulation also respond to stress hormones such as cortisol. Of these women, seven of the eight participants who received stress management therapy began ovulating again, compared to only two of eight participants who did not receive therapy. The same link between stress and fertility exists in men, in whom high levels of stress can reduce testosterone production, so both partners may be affected by stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, a study in Taiwan found that 40% of participants who received treatment for infertility were diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Other researchers have found that women struggling with infertility are affected by anxiety and depression at the same rate as women diagnosed with HIV or cancer. Since infertility is a real medical problem with a significant impact on lives, it is not surprising that it can cause the same anxiety as other serious medical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many researchers have also pointed out that most women who cannot conceive have physical reasons<\/a>, but this is not always the case. Regardless, the woman feels more and more stress over time. So even if a physical cause is medically treated, it is possible that high stress levels make conception difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/blog.myfertilitycloud.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/stress-cover-05-1-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Research Behind Stress and Fertility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alpha-amylase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cortisol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depression & Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does stress <\/strong><\/strong>actually<\/strong> affect the ability to get pregnant?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n