“Mental health and fertility are deeply intertwined, influencing each other in various ways. It’s well-documented that infertility can lead to psychological distress, but what is less understood is how mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can affect fertility itself.
Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can interfere with reproductive hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can lead to irregular periods or even stop ovulation in women. In men, stress has been linked to a decrease in testosterone levels, which impacts sperm quality and sex drive.
Depression and anxiety are also known to affect fertility, though the connection is more complex. Depression can lead to a loss of interest in sexual activity, thereby reducing the frequency of intercourse, which lowers the chances of conception. Moreover, people with mental health issues may neglect their physical health, skipping regular medical check-ups or adopting unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking, which further hampers fertility.
The fertility journey itself can be a major source of stress. Couples dealing with infertility often face emotional challenges like frustration, feelings of inadequacy, and relationship strain. This emotional burden can create a vicious cycle, where stress leads to fertility problems, which in turn increases stress.
Experts recommend seeking support early in the fertility process to address mental health concerns. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and even fertility counseling are recommended to help manage mental health during fertility treatments. By improving mental health, individuals and couples can improve not only their quality of life but also their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Understanding the two-way connection between mental health and fertility is crucial in modern fertility care. Mental health support should be an integral part of any fertility treatment plan, ensuring emotional well-being as a foundation for physical fertility success.
(Dr Shilpa Singhal, IVF Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Dwarka)”
Experts Decode the Connection Between Mental Health and Fertility
