Reducing Stress

One of the most annoying things that every woman who has experienced infertility has heard is "just relax and it will happen." Unfortunately, it is not that easy for most women who are experiencing infertility.

However, it has been proven that "stress" does inhibit fertility. Being stressed can inhibit or delay ovulation.  In men, it can reduce sperm counts.

Going through fertility treatments is one of the most stressful things you can go through: early morning appointments for blood tests and ultrasounds, injecting yourself or being injected with drugs everyday.  There is stress along the way worrying if everything is going as it should.  Add to this the financial strain of paying for the treatments and the difficulties of being late to work. And then the worst of all is the 2 week wait when you wait to find out if it worked for if it was all for nothing and you will have to return to square one and start all over again!

Reducing stress is one way to increase your odds of success. 

Some suggestions for reducing stress:

1. Alternative healers.  Do acupuncture, shiatsu, reflexology.  Whatever you can fit into your schedule without it being more stressful (ie whatever you can schedule conveniently and isn't too big of a stain financially).
2. Listen to meditative music.  In particular if you are doing an IUI or IVF, take along some music to listen to before/after procedures. 
3. Listen to (or watch) something funny.  There's nothing like a good laugh to make you feel better.    
4. Treat yourself when you need to.  

 

What do you do to reduce your stress levels?

Can you suggest any great meditative music?

Can you suggest any funny podcasts?