In this busy phase, chronic stress is no surprise. When there is ongoing stress, the body undergoes long-term changes that badly impact us on psychological and physical levels. Chronic stress is a major risk factor for poor cardiovascular, digestive, and muscular health, as well as weakened immune and reproductive health.
Also, it can complicate treatment outcomes, including IVF or fertility medications. If you’re considering IVF or protecting your fertility from stress, get advice from the leading doctor at the top IVF centre in Siliguri at NewLife Fertility Centre.
How Chronic Stress Affects Fertility
Your body reacts in a complicated way to prolonged stress, and stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline are released when the brain senses danger. Long-term elevation of these hormones might upset the delicate balance of reproductive hormones, whether in males or females.
Prolonged stress in males can affect spermatogenesis, or the creation of sperm. If stress is ongoing, it can interfere with testosterone levels in men. According to studies, excessive levels of stress can lead to abnormal morphology, poor motility, and a decreased sperm count. These have a damaging effect on fertility in men.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the hormonal system that controls menstrual periods and ovulation, can be affected by long-term stress in women. High cortisol levels may prevent gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from being released, which in turn prevents the synthesis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Both these hormones are necessary for ovulation. Here, the likelihood of conception may be decreased by irregular periods or even anovulation, or the lack of ovulation. Expert advice on lifestyle, including stress management, from an infertility specialist is of great help.
Stress and IVF: A Complicated Link
Stress has been a common trouble during the IVF procedure. IVF is a complex process, which feels somewhat stressful, from hormone shots and doctor's meetings to the emotional rollercoaster of embryo transfer and outcome waiting.
When it comes to stress’ effects on IVF outcomes, the findings of this topic's research take time to understand. While some studies reveal no significant link, others indicate that higher stress levels are associated with poorer IVF success rates. It is evident, therefore, that stress may have an impact on physiological reactions and behaviors that subsequently interfere with IVF results.
Let’s make this example easy: when stress is chronic, it can damage reproductive health by causing poor sleep, unhealthy diet, lower libido, and low interest in following treatment regimens. Furthermore, high cortisol levels may hinder the embryo's implantation in the womb or interfere with endometrial receptivity, lowering the chance of becoming pregnant.
On the other hand, stress troubles patients' ability to handle the highs and lows of reproductive treatment. Early termination of IVF cycles or risk of miscarriage has been linked to high levels of emotional distress. The proper management of stress is sometimes challenging with only lifestyle modifications. In that case, getting expert support is essential. Seek support from the top IVF centre in Siliguri or near your location.
Managing Stress to Improve Fertility and Treatment Outcomes
Learning how to manage stress optimally can improve fertility and the effectiveness of IVF, even if it may not be possible to completely remove it. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are examples of stress management therapies. These ways and approaches have shown potential in lowering stress and enhancing the quality of life.
Create a solid support network with friends, family, or support groups to cope with stress. Because mental and reproductive health are intertwined, stress management is vital to IVF outcomes and reproductive well-being. Consult your IVF doctors in Siliguri to get a better understanding of stress management and holistic care for optimal fertility health.
