Stress and Fertility

Can being stressed out make it more difficult to become pregnant?

High levels of the stress-related enzyme alpha-amylase and the hormone cortisol were examined in about 400 women to see how the pregnancy process was affected by stress. All were between 18 and 40, and were married or in a committed relationship.

None had a history of infertility and all had stopped using contraception in an effort to become pregnant. After accounting for age, race, or alcohol, cigarette, and caffeine consumption, learn what doubled the risk for infertility and whether stress reduction could be helpful for women seeking to become pregnant.