Why do people get married? Well, there are several answers to this question but the most straightforward answer is because marriage is a stage in the growth of a person that helps him/her get to parenthood. But to be a parent, one must have a child. Infertility is a huge concern as it hinders the transition to parenthood. The inability to have children leads to stress which keeps on advancing to depression among other severe effects such as anxiety and marital problems.
Infertility and stress are very closely related. For a given couple or an individual, infertility may be caused by stress and stress may be caused by infertility. Infertility treatment could be the ultimate solution to an individual’s problem and also maybe stress therapy is the eventual remedy. It is therefore fundamental to understand the connection between the two.
Can stress cause infertility?
Yes, stress can cause infertility. Unlike functional infertility which is caused by unusual psychological functioning of any or both partners in a couple, stress can cause infertility in the following ways:
In females, stress triggers suppression of menstrual cycle which leads to elevated prolactin which in turn may lead to irregular ovulation.
Also in females, stress may lead to production of hormones which may interfere with the movement of gametes through the fallopian tube or alter with the uterine blood flow.
In males, stress can cause infertility by lowering the number of sperm, reducing the semen volume, suppressing libido, causing erection dysfunction hence reducing the frequency of intercourse.
Also, as a result of stress, neuropeptides may interact with all the body cells including immune system consequently causing infertility.
Why is infertility stressful?
Many couples plan their lives even before marriage. After now realizing that they are infertile, all their plans are nullified. This leads to physical, physiological and even financial stress. This is why infertility treatment in India includes a stress therapy program.
How can stress be reduced?
Stress due to infertility is much depressing because it involves something that cannot be easily changed. For effectiveness, several stress treatment methods should be used. Several books give remedies to stress such as meditation, deep breathing, message, positive thinking among others. You can also approach stress with the serenity prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr which will help you to accept the things that you cannot change.
How to handle the infertility blues?
Know everything about your condition,
Accept your condition and stop hiding it,
Do not accept intimidation from unreasonable people,
Socialize with your best friends, those who can offer emotional support,
Do not pity yourself, rather love yourself and count your blessings.
Infertility is a menace that can take away all the happiness that a couple had. The good thing is that it can be treated. Treatment for such a condition has to be perfect and so specialists are needed. The Touch Clinic is the best infertility hospital in India. They have doctors who have specialized and are experienced in this particular treatment. Visit them in Mohali, Punjab for professional treatment.
