Can excess stress keep you from getting pregnant? Anyone who’s heard the conception advice “just relax and it’ll happen” may wonder if stress really plays a role in how soon you’re able to get pregnant. Emphasis on baby-making can strain all aspects of your life.

In today’s modern, fast paced society, it is easy for people to become stressed. In fact, one would almost think that being stressed is the “in” thing, and if you aren’t stressed it must mean there is something wrong with you! Realistically however, stress is not a good thing for our bodies in general, and has a very real impact on your fertility.

How Stress Impacts Fertility
–          Recent research tells us that stress boosts levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which inhibits the body’s main sex hormones GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) and subsequently suppresses ovulation, sexual activity and sperm count.

–          GnRH is responsible for the release of Luteinizing hormones and follicle-stimulating hormones by the pituitary, the suppression of testosterone, estrogens, and sexual behavior.

–          Chronic stress may cause lack of libido as well as a decrease in general fertility. This has become such a common issue that they have created a name for it Stress Induced Reproductive Dysfunction.

These facts are very important to consider if you have been trying to conceive with no results. It also shows that stress relief should be a part of every couples conception plan even if they are going through IVF.

Trying to carry a pregnancy to term during stressful times places the fetus at risk. The body knows this, which is why it creates an environment that is basically inhospitable to conception. Generally, a stressed person is an unhealthy person. Women with stress are generally overly tired, filled with nervous tension and may not be living a healthy lifestyle – by not eating properly or worse.

Practice Or Habit That Helps You To Reduce Stress

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep
• Get an adequate amount of healthy exercise daily
• Meditate
• Start practicing Yoga
• Seek counseling
• Consume natural, calming herbs and supplements
• Acupuncture
• Exercise
• Prayer
• Reading a book in the park
• Journal
• Take warm baths
• Surrender and let go