Continuing along the lines of stress and how it relates to fertility, I found the following question and answer at www.ivillage.com. Click here to read the full article.
The woman with the question felt that her stress was affecting her ability to conceive since there were no findings from her testing. She wanted to know what she could do to help reduce her stress.
Dr. Mark Perloe was the doctor who wrote the response to her. He did a great job of explaining that stress can affect ovulation, hormone production, and the immune system. According to Dr. Perloe, here are his suggestions for stress reduction:
Strive for more open communication with your partner and other important people in your life. Ask your partner what she or he needs rather than assuming that you can or cannot give it.
Realize there’s no right or wrong way to feel. Getting in touch with your feelings will help you know what you need. Once you can identify your needs, explain them clearly and specifically to your partner.
Recognize the differences between men and women. See if you can teach each other some of the skills you’ve learned from your own life experiences as man or woman.
Share as much as possible in the process of treatment. Share both the burdens and joys of your different perceptions and experiences of infertility. It will help to balance the intensity and bring you closer, with a deeper respect for each other.
Plan an infertility holiday, to take time off from your treatment if it is getting you down.
Find ways to put the fun back in your relationship. Make a date night during which you can put the troubles of infertility behind you for just a few hours.
Consider couples counseling to address your needs and minimize stress.
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