Can stress have an effect on IVF outcomes? How Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help?
IVF has become a growing part of the ever evolving realm of conception, but one common question still comes up, does stress actually affect IVF outcomes? Or is this just a myth? Although much research still needs to be done in the area, many studies show external stress (as well as the stress and anxiety of going through the IVF and conception journey) may have a negative effect on IVF outcomes.
Below we’ll talk about how stress may affect IVF outcomes and how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and other strategies can be used to give you the best chance of IVF success.
The Link Between Stress and IVF Success
A study titled ‘Stressful life events are associated with a poor in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcome: a prospective study’ which studied 809 women before starting their IVF journey and following the impacts that stress may have on the success of the IVF process stated external stress may have a negative effect on IVF outcomes. This is how stress may affect IVF success rates
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Hormonal Interference: Stress or ‘load’ triggers the release of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, which can disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. This hormonal imbalance may compromise ovulation, egg quality, and the receptivity of the uterine environment for embryo implantation.
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Psychological Challenges: The emotional toll of the IVF journey cannot be overstated. Anxiety, depression, and feelings of uncertainty are common experiences, stemming from the pressures of fertility treatments, past reproductive struggles, and the anticipation of desired outcomes. These psychological stressors can impact mental well-being, exacerbate physical symptoms, and potentially hinder treatment success.
How Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help
Working hand in hand with specialists and/or your doctor this is where acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be able to help. Acupuncture can stimulate the body's natural healing capabilities and may help in stimulating the body more into the parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ healing state and away from the sympathetic nervous state, ‘fight or flight’ stress response. This in turn promotes good quality sleep and digestion, healing of the body and most importantly in this case promotes proper hormone balance and improved mood which may improve IVF outcomes.
Other Strategies for Stress Management
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and gentle exercise into daily routines can foster relaxation, alleviate anxiety.
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Social and Emotional Support: Cultivating a strong support network is crucial. Engage with loved ones, join infertility support groups, or consider seeking guidance from mental health professionals specialising in fertility-related challenges.
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Holistic Self-Care: Adopting a holistic approach to self-care encompasses maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, engaging in regular physical activity suitable for individual needs, prioritising sufficient sleep, and minimising exposure to additional stressors.
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Collaborative Care with Healthcare Providers: Establish open communication with your fertility specialist and healthcare team. They can offer personalised guidance, monitor your emotional well-being throughout the IVF process.
By acknowledging and actively addressing stress throughout the IVF/fertility journey via acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and other methods, individuals and couples c
an empower themselves to navigate challenges more effectively and optimise their chances of achieving successful IVF outcomes. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and support is readily available to help you through the complexities of fertility treatments.
If you have any questions about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, fertility or anything else please don’t hesitate to contact us on frontdesk@villageremedies.com or click here to book an appointment online at our Village Remedies Balmain or Sydney CBD clinics.
Ebbesen, S.M.S., Zachariae, R., Mehlsen, M.Y., Thomsen, D., Højgaard, A., Ottosen, L., Petersen, T., Ingerslev, H.J. (2009). Stressful life events are associated with a poor in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome: a prospective study. Human Reproduction, 24(9), 2173–2182. doi:10.1093/humrep/dep185.
Zanettoullis, A.T., Mastorakos, G., Vakas, P., Vlahos, N., & Valsamakis, G. (2024). Effect of Stress on Each of the Stages of the IVF Procedure: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(2), 726. doi:10.3390/ijms25020726.