Stress Infertility

MESICS Training can enhance Fertility and Conception

Sandra Berga, MD, infertility expert and chair of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University in Atlanta has demonstrated how the mindbody connection plays a critical role for many couples trying to conceive.

She found that worry, tension, fear, doubt and psychological pressure can bring about infertility in both women and men. Despite long standing resistance in the infertility community to acknowledge it—studies show that emotional stress can interfere big time with both viable egg and sperm production. Cortisol and other stress hormones can thwart fertilized eggs from implanting, and it can reduce and compromise viable sperm production.

The findings indicate that

• Couples, who do not have strictly biological problems with infertility, can greatly improve their ability to conceive by learning the mindbody skills needed to prevent the release of stress hormones
• Couples using mindbody techniques to control stress tend to be the most successful in conceiving
• Physical exercise alone made matters worse for many couples; it was not a good way to reduce cortisol

The bottom line is that mindbody imbalance interferes with bodily functioning and mindbody synchrony and inner balance frees the body to function optimally and without interference.

Infertility treatment is notoriously stressful to boot, and many clinics are clueless about this fact or about what to do about it. If you are having trouble conceiving, make sure you seek help from professionals who understand the mindbody connection.

Harrison KL et al. Stress and semen quality in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertility and Sterility. 1987. 48: 633-636.

Schnied-Kofman N and E Sheiner. Does stress effect male sterility. Medical Science Monitor. 2005. 11(8): SR11-13.

Slade P et al. A 3-year follow-up of emotional, marital, and psychological functioning in couples who were infertile. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. 1992. 10: 233-243.