It might seem like a “catch-22” to say infertility and stress are linked survival instincts since without reproduction, long term survival doesn’t happen. However, your body did not evolve to make reproduction its first priority — short term survival is paramount.

And the human body still very much operates as it did 10,000 years ago — when the main aim was to run away from the saber-toothed tiger. 

You see, in earlier times, nature, wisdom, health, and life were synonymous. All creatures lived in alignment with the cycles of nature and the energy flows of the universe. As life has evolved to the modern-day, humans have gotten further and further away from our physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual foundations.

How Fertility is Unconsciously Neglected

In survival mode or in situations that require the body to adapt in any way, it focuses all its energy and nutrients into the most important organs and systems to ward off immediate danger. By doing so, it shuts down other systems that are not essential for the task.[1,2]

The body has a little internal conversation. It agrees that immune function is not all that important during a fight-or-flight situation because the little bug inside is not as much of a threat as, for example, the tiger running after you.

It just means that digestion can also be shut down because after all, it is not really vital in the grand scheme of things — since if you are not running away, you will soon become the actual food yourself.

These all just assert that the very LAST priority of your body right now is to have a baby — survival is the one on the priority pedestal.[1-4] Under stress, the body begins to shut down non-vital functions and aims to refocus on those once an opportunity arises. However, due to increasing demands, it is hardly ever able to resume its proper metabolic functions to 100% capacity.[5]

So when you live in a continuous state of high stress, inadequately nourishing and nurturing yourself, your reproductive organs do not receive the energy and nutrients they need to function optimally — particularly as you age.[6]

How Boosting Your Natural Fertility Works

Optimizing your fertility and increasing your chances of having a healthy baby demand balance in all areas to restore your body’s innate functions. These call for natural fertility care by specifically pinpointing contributing factors that ordinarily diminish your chance of creating a healthy conception, and increase the risks of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities as well as premature birth and stillbirths.[7]

What is vital for you to remember is that your fertility is not “out there” as a magic cure to be given to you by the doctor or other practitioner treating you. It is inside, tucked within your body’s own internal wisdom, waiting to be released when coaxed properly in a relaxed way.[8]

So how can you increase your chances of a healthy conception?

A scientific research presented to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology indicates that certain types of ‘talk therapy’ can reduce stress and increase chances for conception.[9]

Moreover, a research from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia (USA)[10] that is published in the journal Fertility and Sterility,[11] found that women who had ceased to ovulate regained fertility after cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a form of therapy that seeks to positively influence and restructure one’s voluntary thinking patterns.

Other research indicates that laughter can reduce stress and increase one’s odds of conception.[12]birth

Some Tactics to Boost Your Natural Fertility

There are certainly many ways for managing stress and emotions. Here is a list of other things you can implement to fight the stress you are dealing with and consequently improve the state of your fertility:

1. Emotional Freedom Technique

This is an amazing relaxation tool that can be used to turn off (like a switch) practically any negative emotions currently afflicting you.[13]

2. Talking it out

If you do not have a trusted friend on board whom you can vent to, it may be worth seeing a counselor. It will allow you to let it all out and perhaps give you a fresh perspective on things.[14]

3. Developing a positive mental attitude

If you keep telling yourself “I’ll never get pregnant,” then you will not. So replace that negative voice in your head with positive imagery instead. Visualization has been shown to have deeply effective, physical benefits for fertility.[15]

4. Massage

This is something you and your partner can do for each other. You do not have to be a professional masseuse; just the touch of the hands is soothing, reassuring, and a sensuous prelude to lovemaking. However, a trip to a day spa for professional deep tissue massage is well worth it, as some spas also offer couples’ packages.[16]

5. Time management

Schedule your daily activities in a way that you have dedicated time in your day to really unwind.[17,18]

6. Tea time

Eliminate caffeine to reduce anxiety, boost your natural fertility, and decrease the chances of miscarriage. Treat yourself instead to a relaxing herbal tea such as chamomile, hibiscus, lemongrass, or linden.[19]

7. Romantic getaways

A little romantic getaway with your partner can have such a reinvigorating and rejuvenating effect on you, your partner, and the relationship. It also does not have to cost a lot. It can even be in your own city — just make sure it is fun, and you will both enjoy each other.[20]

8. Music

While cleaning the house, cooking, or just doing nothing, put on some music that heightens your mood as well as relaxes or soothes you (and your partner).[21]

9. Yoga

This is very effective for relieving stress. If you do not belong to a fitness club, you can rent or buy instructional DVDs or stream all kinds of videos online for free.[22]

10. Meditation

Carve out a quiet space in your day to silence all the mind chatter, and do some deep breathing.[23]

Final thoughts

Just take note though that it is not enough to just relax. Yes, it will increase your chances of conception. However, optimum fertility is multifactorial.

We can definitely help you in this journey through our Fertility Challenge™ program where we offer support and motivation for couples, so they can make the necessary lifestyle changes for balanced and optimized fertility. The next challenge is just around the corner, and we do not want you to miss out. REGISTER HERE for FREE.

References:

[1] Barnea, E.R., et al. Stress-related reproductive failure. Journal of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer, 1991. 8(1). PMID: 2016560.

[2] Nakamura, K., et al. Stress and reproductive failure: past notions, present insights and future directions. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2008. 25(2-3). PMID: 18274890.

[3] Yaribeygi, H., et al. The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI Journal, 2017. 16. PMID: 28900385.
[4] Konturek, P.C., et al. Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacoloy, 2011. 62(6). PMID: 22314561.

[5] Wan‐chin, K., et al. The association between psychological stress and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Obesity Reviews, 2019. doi: 10.1111/obr.12915.

[6] Schaefe, E., et al. The Impact of Preconceptional Multiple-Micronutrient Supplementation on Female Fertility. Clinical Medicine Insights: Women’s Health, 2019. 12. PMID: 31040736

[7] Braspenningx, S., et al. Preconceptional care: a systematic review of the current situation and recommendations for the future. Facts, Views and Visions: Issues in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, 2013. 5(1). PMID: 24753925.

[8] Silber, S.J., et al. Intrinsic fertility of human oocytes. Fertility and Sterility, 2017. 107(5). PMID: 28433372

[9] Gameiro, S., et al. ESHRE guideline: routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction-a guide for fertility staff. Human Reproduction, 2015. 30(11). PMID: 26345684.

[10] Berga, S.L., et al. Use of cognitive behavior therapy for functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2006. PMID: 17308138.

[11] Michopoulos, V., et al. Neuroendocrine recovery initiated by cognitive behavioral therapy in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility, 2013. 99(7). PMID: 23507474.

[12] Friedler, S., et al. The effect of medical clowning on pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertility and Sterility, 2011. 95(6). PMID: 21211796.
[13] Clond, M., et al. Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 2016. 204(5). PMID: 26894319.

[14] Ozbay, F., et al. Social Support and Resilience to Stress: From Neurobiology to Clinical Practice. Psychiatry, 2007. 4(5). PMID: 20806028.

[15] Domar, A.D., et al. Exploratory randomized trial on the effect of a brief psychological intervention on emotions, quality of life, discontinuation, and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization patients. Fertility and Sterility, 2015. 104(2). PMID: 26072382.

[16] Bost, N., et al. The effectiveness of a 15 minute weekly massage in reducing physical and psychological stress in nurses. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2006. 23(4). PMID: 16800217.

[17] Jackson, V.P., et al. Time Management: A Realistic Approach. Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2009. 6(6). PMID: 19467489.

[18] Saini, A., et al. Work-Life Balance: Keep the Cycle Moving - Find a Purpose, Set Priorities, and Manage Time Well Then Reassess and Reset. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2016. 5. PMID: 26779467.

[19] Yeung, K.S., et al. Herbal Medicine for Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review with Assessment of Potential Psycho-Oncologic Relevance. Phytotherapy Research, 2018. 32(5). PMID: 29464801.

[20] Hruska, B., et al. Vacation frequency is associated with metabolic syndrome and symptoms. Psychology and Health, 2020. 35(1). PMID: 31204484.

[21] de Witte, M., et al. Effects of music interventions on stress-related outcomes: a systematic review and two meta-analyses. Health Psycology Review, 2020. 14(2). PMID: 31167611.

[22] Wang, F., et al. Effects of Yoga on Stress Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2020. PMID: 32088671.

[23] Li, J., et al. Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Fertility Quality of Life and Pregnancy Rates Among Women Subjected to First in Vitro Fertilization Treatment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2016. 77. PMID: 26742022.