Talking about reproduction, there are two points of view, from which we can see the influence of stress: on one hand, as a direct cause of infertility and, on the other hand, that one generated on couples undergoing fertility tests and treatments (IVF or Egg Donation)
Regarding the first aspect, it is well known that stress live with us in every activity of our life, so, how could it not be present when it comes to reproduction? Despite several studies about this, there is no proved causal relationship between stress and fertility.
It is known that stress causes some substances to appear, such as immune ones, that disturb or imbalance the T and NK lymphocytes.
Stress hormones can adversely affect reproduction, because they modify the regulatory systems of ovarian function, which control its activity from the brain. Such hormones are the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
On the other hand, as mentioned above, there is another kind of stress, that one suffered by a couple who does not get pregnant. Although it is proved that infertility causes stress, we cannot say that stress necessarily causes infertility.
Couples facing any fertility issue develop great uncertainty about the impossibility of having a baby on a short-term basis and also insecurity about the tests they are supposed to have.
But stress is even more evident when they face a reproduction treatment, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF-ICSI) or Egg Donation, especially after several unsuccessful attempts and the high economic cost.
It is also important to bear in mind, that fertility problems can disturb the couple’s relationship and therefore sexual relationships and coexistence, leading to a disappointment at any offered technique, either IVF-ICSI or Egg Donation, or even to the couple’s break-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Although stress can interfere with the functioning of both immune factors and gamete production, because of the brain producing gonadotropins, that are stimulants of both the ovary and the testicles, currently it is not possible to confirm a direct relationship between stress and fertility, since all our daily environment is influenced by a certain degree of stress.
It should be noted that the stress suffered after successive failures within reproductive techniques can lead to alterations in sexual relations, the couple’s relationship and even their coexistence.
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Gregorio Manzanera
IMAGE: Taken from https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2764124/0/estres-ansiedad-mujeres-reduce-ovulos/
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