Stress is your body’s natural way of reacting to a challenging event or situation. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as feelings of stress, anxiety and depression when overwhelmed. Stress is becoming common in today’s fast-paced world. It has a more negative impact on one’s mental and physical health than you might think. It can also affect various bodily functions, including reproductive health. So if you are concerned about your reproductive health or fertility in general then make sure you manage your stress levels for the betterment of your health.

In both men and women, stress is significantly linked to hormonal imbalances that can affect one’s menstrual cycle, sperm or egg production, and decreased libido. This also reduces the chances of conceiving naturally.

Times Now Digital spoke to Dr Soumya Shetty, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, about the negative impact of stress on fertility. Here’s how it affects your fertility and how to stay safe.

• hgeneral imbalance: When you are constantly under stress, your body produces higher cortisol levels than normal. Cortisol levels are also called stress hormones. Increased levels of cortisol may be caused by various reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are important for regulating the menstrual cycle and conducting a healthy pregnancy.
• menstrual irregularitiesYou may notice significant changes in your menstrual cycle when you are extremely stressed. When stress persists for a long time, it can cause menstrual problems such as missing or irregular periods more than usual. A significant discrepancy in your menstrual cycle can make tracking ovulation challenging.
• delayed ovulation: Stress can create obstacles when it comes to conceiving. This severely disrupts the ovulation process, the release of eggs from the ovaries. Most couples actively try to conceive by keeping an eye on the ovulation phase. So if ovulation is delayed it becomes difficult for it to occur for optimal fertility. This can lead to increased stress as well as feelings of frustration and irritability.
• Decrease in sperm quality: Stress is harmful not only for women but also for men. Chronic stress in men can cause problems like decreased sperm count and decreased sperm motility. These apparent changes can make it extremely difficult for sperm to travel efficiently through the reproductive tract in women while promoting fertilization of the egg. Excessive stress can increase the risk of men experiencing several sperm abnormalities that can further complicate the process of successfully conceiving.

This is why it becomes important to manage your stress levels. Regularly engaging in activities such as deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga can help reduce your cortisol levels. It will also help maintain hormonal balance while reducing the effects of stress on your reproductive health. Eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can be beneficial for your fertility and mental health. Consider consulting a doctor to discuss your concerns and questions regarding the relationship between Stress and Reproductive Health For expert guidance.

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