Infertility and stress often go hand in hand. While it is doubtful that stress causes infertility there is no doubt that the process of infertility - both investigations and treatment, is stressful. Studies have linked higher stress levels to poorer outcomes from IVF – from fewer numbers of eggs being produced to fewer embryos and most importantly lower chances of success.

It makes sense therefore, that reducing stress around the time of IVF is extremely beneficial and helps the medical treatment to be successful.

A large part of ‘complimentary treatment” in IVF, centers around stress reduction or improving a couples’ ability to understand and cope with the stresses associated with infertility.

The Mind Body Approach

The mind body approach aims to work on the patient’s mental and emotional state as a means to help improve physical functioning.

Psychological approach

• Relaxation based training
• Cognitive restructuring

Additional options:
• Acupuncture
• Reflexology
• Massage

General aspects of well being:
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Support – groups, chat rooms / bulletin boards

For decades, techniques of teaching a person to elicit a relaxation reaction have been used by psychologists: these may include diaphragmatic breathing techniques, yoga, meditation etc. While different techniques may work better for different people the goal is the same to bring about relaxation, in so doing then to allow stress relief.

Physiologically the effect of relaxation and stress relief has been linked to reduced activated T Cells and natural killer cells.