The Fertility Center | Blog

Mental Health And Fertility

By Dr. Jesús Alberto Félix Atondo

Mental health and its impact on fertility is a topic that is becoming too popular on different social media platforms. Fertility can be a stressful and emotional journey, and many individuals and couples struggle with the emotional toll that infertility may take. Overwhelming stress and anxiety that appear when trying to conceive can impact mental health and wellness, affecting fertility

Today our fertility specialists will discuss everything you need to know about. 
 
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Mental Issues That Impact Fertility

Here are some mental issues that can affect you when trying to conceive:

 

  • Stress. Studies have shown that stress can affect the hormones responsible for regulating ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive. Chronic stress can also lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, making it more difficult to predict ovulation. Additionally, stress can cause physical changes in the body, such as changes in the immune system, making it more difficult to conceive.

 

  • Depression. Depression is another common mental health issue that can impact fertility. It can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, making it more difficult to predict ovulation and conception.

 

Additionally, depression can lead to weight gain, which can affect fertility. Some medications used to treat depression can also negatively affect fertility, so we recommend working closely with healthcare providers to find the right treatment plan.

 

  • Anxiety. Anxiety is another common mental health issue that can impact fertility. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, and changes in sleep patterns, which can all negatively impact fertility.  Additionally, anxiety can cause individuals to feel overwhelmed and stressed, leading to changes in behavior, such as neglecting self-care, that can affect fertility.

 

 

How To Take Care Of Mental Health

It is essential for individuals and couples struggling with infertility to take care of their mental health. Some strategies for managing stress and anxiety during the fertility journey include;

 

  • Practicing relaxation techniques. You can try deep breathing and meditation. 


  • Physical activity. We suggest trying yoga or walking, reducing stress and improving overall wellness.


  • Seeking support from friends. Family or a support group for individuals and couples struggling with infertility.


  • Talking to a mental health professional. Talk to a psychologist or counselor to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.


  • Finding healthy coping mechanisms. You can feel better managing emotions and thoughts with activities such as journaling. 

 

Many women experience some of these, and usually, they are not hard to manage.

 

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It is also important for healthcare providers to consider the impact of mental health on fertility and to work with patients to address any mental health issues that may affect fertility. This may involve referring patients to mental health professionals for therapy or counseling or working with patients to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and improving sleep.

 

 

When To See A Team Of Fertility Specialists

We recommend visiting the specialists if;

  • You are over 40. Aging affects egg quantity and quality; the decline in egg quality makes the chances of a miscarriage higher, so you may consider visiting the specialists to check for any risks. 

 

  • You have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer treatments can impact a woman’s fertility depending on meds dosage and type of treatment. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, don’t worry, there’s still hope to conceive! If you have already undergone cancer treatment, our fertility specialists can check your chances of conceiving. 


  • You have been trying for a year. If you have been trying to achieve pregnancy for more than a year (or six months in case you are over 35), you should book an appointment to undergo a valuation. Our experienced doctors can help find the cause of why you are having difficulties conceiving.

 

  • You went through a baby loss. We know that losses are hard to experience; if that is your case, our team will take you by the hand and look for the best option. Our fertility specialists can determine if something is happening in your body. Most of the time, miscarriages are due to genetic issues, anatomic problems, and altered hormone levels.

 

 

Latest Fertility Treatments To Conceive

Thanks to love and science, you can achieve the dream of having a little piece of sunshine, and treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) can be effective.

 

 

What Is An IVF?

IVF is a treatment where, unlike Intrauterine Insemination (where fertilization occurs directly in the woman’s reproductive system), it happens outside, in a lab, with sperm from the partner or a donor. As a result of fertilization, the best-quality embryo is selected and transferred to the uterus.

 

What Is An IUI?

IUI  is a treatment that involves depositing sperm directly into the uterus. The patient is subjected to mild ovarian stimulation; the sperm swim toward the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. There is the possibility of using donated sperm for lesbian couples and single mothers.

 

We know that infertility can be stressful; stress and anxiety when trying to achieve the dream of starting a family can impact mental health. But you are not alone in this. Our staff is ready for your visit, and our team of skilled fertility specialists will stay with you at every step of your journey. Contact us to schedule an appointment! 
 
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Dr. Jesús Alberto Félix Atondo

Gynecology, Obstetrics and Biology of Human Reproduction Surgeon at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, specialist Biologist of Human Reproduction by the Mexican Institute of Infertility.

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