There is only one way to get out of the vicious cycle of stress and infertility – Stress Reduction. While stress reduction as such is not a cure for infertility, its indirect benefits could include aiding in conception. There are several stress management programs that offer ways of reducing depression, anxiety, anger, and fatigue, all of which contribute in their own way to infertility, worsening the emotional roller coaster ride that couples unable to conceive go through. And as these negative emotions are taken care of, the chances of becoming pregnant increase, especially in the case of unexplained infertility.
The mind body approaches of stress reduction that reduce anxiety and increase relaxation may normalize menstrual cycles, improve the health of both egg and sperm, and increase the likelihood of fertilization and implantation. Reduced stress also means an improved quality of relationships and life for the couple that could otherwise be going through increasing frustration at being unable to conceive.
In 1978 the Mind-Body Institute of the Harvard Medical School conducted a study in a ten-week group program for women with unexplained infertility. Based on coping-skills training, learning to shift from the stress response to the relaxation response, guided imagery, gentle yoga stretching, good nutrition, education in topics pertinent to fertility, and support from other women in the group, the program worked excellently in reducing women’s stress. The main emphasis of this program was on shifting the focus of life away from conceiving a baby to living a creative, fulfilling life in other aspects.
This results from this program showed that almost all the women who completed it had significant reductions in anxiety, anger, and depression, and an increase in vitality and well being. Although the program was only designed to reduce stress, statistics compiled from the nearly three hundred women who completed the program and were available for follow-up indicated that 57 percent of them became pregnant within six months of completing the ten-week course. This shows that reducing stress can certainly be beneficial in decreasing infertility.
Simple Steps for Stress Reduction
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine(ASRM) recommends the following stress-reduction techniques for couples who are trying to conceive:
• Keep the lines of communication open with your partner.
• Get emotional support if trying to become pregnant gets you down. Counseling, support groups, and books can help by reassuring you that you’re not alone and by helping you choose between available options.
• Learn yoga or meditation techniques.
• Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and other stimulants.
• Exercise regularly to relieve physical and emotional tension.
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At the Itoozhi Center for Reproductive Medicine, we provide holistic, stress free options along with counseling, yoga, meditation and other stress reduction techniques, all set in a relaxing atmosphere. We have formulated certain styles of treatment based on our years of experience. Today Itoozhi Ayurveda is one of the leading ayurvedic hospitals in India. Feel free to contact us to know more about our Ayurvedic Infertility Treatment and Reproductive medicines.
