You’ve probably heard the saying “just relax and it will happen” when mentioning to your friends and family that you’re trying to get pregnant – but does reducing your stress actually help with infertility? While studies have not been able to determine the impact that stress has on conception, we know that decreasing stress levels can improve a woman’s quality of life which can in turn impact fertility.

The period of infertility can bring a lot of stress on a couple as it is a time of uncertainty. Though it is normal to feel anxious and worried during this time, it is important to find ways to relieve the stress.

Here are our top 5 tips to de-stress while trying to conceive:

1. Find your relaxation technique
Practice yoga, meditate, get a massage, or take a bubble bath. Make time to do things that relieve tension and focus on taking care of yourself. Continue doing things you enjoy doing and distract your mind.

2. Get Acupuncture
Studies have suggested that acupuncture helps lower stress and anxiety levels, and can improve fertility. During the session, you focus on your own well-being.

3. Talk to someone
Whether it be a friend or a mental health professional, talking to someone about your feelings can help reduce stress by letting out your emotions and not keeping them bottled up. An infertility specialist can help you with finding ways to reduce your stress.

4. Join a Fertility Support Group
A support group gives you the opportunity to connect with other women who are going through the same things as you. Listening to other people’s stories and sharing your own helps you to realize you are not alone.

5. Spend time with your partner
While you may see them every day, it’s important to connect with your partner and give attention to your relationship. You are going through this process together, so talking through your stresses can help comfort both of you.

 

About Dr. Sinem Karipcin

Dr. Karipcin is a double board certified fertility specialist with extensive expertise in egg freezing, IVF and fertility surgery. She manages several conditions causing infertility including endometriosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, diminished ovarian reserve, polycystic ovarian syndrome, as well as performs fertility preservation in women who have had cancer without compromising their treatment.

To find out more information about Dr. Karipcin, visit her profile page here.