24Mar
According to new findings published in the latest online edition of the journal Human Reproduction, stress doubles the risk of infertility in women. Scientists have recommended yoga and mediation among the most effective stress-reducing techniques for those planning to become pregnant.
The research team analysed the health results of 373 American women aged 18 to 40 with no known fertility problems, who had just started trying to conceive. The participants were followed within 12 months, or until they became pregnant.
Having measured levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme in saliva considered a biological indicator of stress, the researchers found that high levels of the biomarker reduced the chances of becoming pregnant by 29 per cent. Women with high stress levels were also more than twice as likely to be declared infertile as those with lower levels.
Clinical infertility is defined as the inability to conceive within a year despite regular unprotected sex. The vicious circle occurs as the anxiety of trying becomes even greater. Thus, experts advise women to adopt stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
“Eliminating stressors before trying to become pregnant might shorten the time couples need to become pregnant in comparison to ignoring stress,” said the study co-author Dr Germaine Buck Louis, from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and HumanDevelopment in Rockville, US.
However, Dr Courtney Denning-Johnson Lynch, from Ohio State University in the US pointed out that stress is not the only factor responsible for fertility problems, and its role might be minor.
The research team analysed the health results of 373 American women aged 18 to 40 with no known fertility problems, who had just started trying to conceive. The participants were followed within 12 months, or until they became pregnant.
Having measured levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme in saliva considered a biological indicator of stress, the researchers found that high levels of the biomarker reduced the chances of becoming pregnant by 29 per cent. Women with high stress levels were also more than twice as likely to be declared infertile as those with lower levels.
Clinical infertility is defined as the inability to conceive within a year despite regular unprotected sex. The vicious circle occurs as the anxiety of trying becomes even greater. Thus, experts advise women to adopt stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
“Eliminating stressors before trying to become pregnant might shorten the time couples need to become pregnant in comparison to ignoring stress,” said the study co-author Dr Germaine Buck Louis, from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and HumanDevelopment in Rockville, US.
However, Dr Courtney Denning-Johnson Lynch, from Ohio State University in the US pointed out that stress is not the only factor responsible for fertility problems, and its role might be minor.
via Smart Health Shop Forum http://ift.tt/NJtaAU
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