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Relaxation: The Drug-Free Fertility Treatment

relaxation-fertility

By Monica Galvan

Published on December 03, 2007

Stress affects everyone. Young, old, male, female – regardless of a person’s occupation and where he or she lives, stressful situations are bound to arise. Now, some researchers are arguing that chronic stress negatively affects fertility, and that relaxation techniques can help couples conceive successfully.

Circle of Strife – Coping with the Stress of Infertility Treatments

Many couples struggle for months – even years – to become pregnant, sometimes to the point of becoming completely consumed with fertility issues. Modern advances in medicine have made it possible for otherwise infertile couples to conceive, but for those who undergo fertility treatments with no success, the constant stress of medical visits and trying to get pregnant can take a toll on both the mind and body.

According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, in 1995 approximately 9.3 million women had used infertility services, and 2.1 million married couples were considered infertile. While fertility treatments are successful for 60 to 70 percent of patients treated, the remaining 40 percent often find themselves stressed, exhausted, and thousands of dollars in the hole. However, mounting evidence shows that stress reduction through relaxation may be able to help that 40 percent of infertile patients increase their chances of having a baby.

Building Mind-Body Balance for Baby

Dr. Sarah Berga of Emory University’s department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has dedicated her studies to the link between chronic stress and ovulation. According to research published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, Berga’s 2003 study of 16 women revealed the advantages of cognitive behavioral therapy on fertility. In the study, seven of eight women who went through therapy had their ovulation restored, while only two of eight regained their ovulation without the therapy. She later reported that the women who did not ovulate had excess levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their brain fluid.

Cortisol is the hormone released when we come into contact with stressful situations – it is often described as the boost we experience during “fight or flight” conditions when we feel that we are in danger. However, some doctors believe that sustained exposure to elevated cortisol levels are linked to infertility.

Dr. Berga says that participation in a stress-relief program can make in vitro fertilization (IVF) unnecessary for some women. Both those undergoing IVF and those trying to conceive on their own can both benefit from stress relief. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health showed that in a group of women who had tried to become pregnant for two years, those who participated in mind-body support groups had a higher rate of conception than those who did not.

Furthermore, chronic stress can cause women to have irregular periods or to stop menstruating and to lose sexual desire – two obvious keys to conception.

Relaxation for Baby-Makin’

While there is not enough evidence to claim that stress directly causes infertility, reducing stress has been shown to increase the rates of pregnancy in infertile women. Certainly, stress taxes our entire body and causes it to function differently, whether that means raising a person’s blood pressure or inhibiting the performance of the ovaries.

As the popularity of stress-relief treatments for infertility spreads, retreats and support groups are popping up across the country to help couples relax and cope with fertility issues. Stress-reducing practices that might increase your chances of conceiving include:

 

  • acupuncture
  • massage
  • guided imagery therapy
  • yoga
  • meditation
  • support groups/counseling
  • tai chi
  • exercise
  • music
  • hypnosis
  • journaling
  • drawing
  • reflexology

 

Talk to an experienced fertility specialist to explore the options you have to increase your odds becoming pregnant.

Keyword Tags: ivf, female infertility, fertility drugs, getting pregnant

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Comments

1

i would be ever so grateful if somebody out there could help me and my partner.we have had all the tests and we are both perfect,yet we have been trying,desperately for over 6years,and finally we thought our prayers had been answered afew months ago when i became pregnant though tragically after only afew weeks we miscarried.we dont know what we did differently,whatever it was we arent doing it now as im still not pregnant.we are desperate for some help,we are willing to try just about anything,x

nicky, 5 months ago

2

Nicky, stay strong... my husband and I are in the same boat you are. We have been trying for five years.. I am taking clomid. The doctors say everything is fine with my husband and myself as well but we still have not conceived. I know you were asking for help and I dont have any answers, I just wanted to let you know that I am here for you and to stay strong!

lakisha, 5 months ago

3

We have been trying to conceive for about a year now. I take vitamins and exercise, are there any special foods I should be eating or vitamins I should take? I have tried everything. We want it to be natural but we are starting to get worried, were going to see the doc about artificial insemination this month, but I would like to not have to do it that way.

Brandi, 5 months ago

4

We will be trying again(after 2 miscarriages) in about 4 months, I am trying to find different ways for natural fertility

Crystal, 5 months ago

5

I was upset to discover that insemination would be necessary to conceive a child. It is not the ideal scenario in which I imagined creating life with my husband. We have been trying for five years and tests on both him and me confirmed that it is unlikely we'll ever conceive without scientific aid. As I was lamenting to my sister, she told me something that made me feel better. She said that no matter what, the baby will be conceived out of love and maybe even more so because of the lengths needed for the conception. So when I was having the IUI performed (which wasn't exactly fun) I realized that it is much more of a sacrifice than conceiving the "traditional" way. Not ideal, but it's all out of love. Keep your spirits up.

LNH, 5 months ago

6

TRUST IN GOD. NOT MAN! HE IS THE CREATOR. I'M TRYING ALSO, BUT IT'S NOT MY TIMING BUT GOD'S. ASK & PRAY THEN LEAVE IT THERE. STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. AND WATCH GOD POUR OUT A BLESSING FOR YOUR TRUST. FORGET SCIENTIST, THEY ARE NOT THE CREATORS. ONLY GOD, TRUST HIM!

LaKari, 4 months ago

7

I am presently going through an IVF cycle and it is the best decision I ever made. My husband and I lost a baby at 5 months in Oct. 2006 after trying to conceive for a year. We conceived her through IUI + Clomid. After that, I was very depressed to say the least. I tried more cycles of Clomid + IUI and moved on to injectables. After seeing aunt flo show up month after month my OB/GYN suggested I go along with IVF. I was very hesitant at first, but once I prepared my body and mind for it, I was sooo excited to proceed. I feel that now is the time in my life to accept that this is what GOD wants me to do and if it is his WILL I will get pregnant. I trust in GOD, but I need SCIENTIFIC help. I am content in knowing that my child will be loved and cared for and will know that they are a miracle sent from GOD. Many people who conceive naturally take for granted the miracle that GOD gave them and neglect their children. I know this firsthand because I am a teacher and I am a "mother" to 20 children. Read the book Eat, Pray, Love for and reflect on the gift of life we all have and the journey that we all making.

TSA, 4 months ago

8

I've been trying not to let it get to me, but its so hard not being able to consive. I find myself going to be crying trying to release my stress. Sometimes i just feel like giving up, I thank god for my spouse that has been very supportive.

A.TORRES, 4 months ago

9

i have two beautiful daughters now, but since my last baby (who was very large) i have had 8 miscarriages, it is so upsetting and i do feel bad that some woman dont even have one so i do feel lucky but i would really love to have more children, i got soo upset today watching a woman 26 pregnant with her 7th and doesn't give a damn or look after her kids and it upsets me soo much because i have always wanted a large family, ne way is there anything i should be doing i have had blood tests done but my doctor was useless (just out of med school and didn't even know how to calculate an ovulation period) please this is getting me down every time i get so happy but it destroys me when i start bleeding, i am getting so jealous as well and i cant understand how it is so easy for other woman to fall pregnant and stay prgnant yet for me it isn't i know i have 2 but i want about 20, is there anything i could try???

gemma, 4 months ago

10

Its really great to have a place to vent. I feel for everyone who has posted here. I am desperate for a child and have been "trying" for more than 4 years. I've tried Clomid, prayer, IUI, diet and vitamins, acupuncture and just "letting go" - no more charts, doc appointment, stress but it is still always there in the back of my mind. Now, we are on the verge of IVF and like many of you I just always wanted to do this naturally. However, I'm 36 and afraid that I haen't been giving this struggle all I've got. Now its IVF or adopt? Who thought, when I was little and discussing my future husband and number of children with my friends, that I'd ever have to dwell in this place for so long or at all? Isn't life strange? It would be so much easier if someone would take me by the hand and tell me, "do this, and you'll concieve." Its all too mysterious and frustrating.

Jessica, 4 months ago

11

I think this blog is great! I can relate to all of you. I have a daughter who is 8 years old already and she was conceived "naturally". My husband & I have been "trying' for atleast 6 years and a couple years ago I got pregnant /w clomid and had a devastating miscarriage @ about 13 weeks into it. Now I do envy pregnant woman & hate to get my monthly too. I wish we could give her a sibling....

Mel, 4 months ago

12

I can all feel your pain. I have a beautiful 19 month old girl that was conceived after being married for 5 yrs and it was a difficult pregnancy on bed rest at 26 weeks and she was a premie 33weeks with some minor issues. In Decemeber, I misscarried and didn't even know I was prego b/c my period was irregular the month before. Its has been 4 months and I feel obsessed with trying to get prego again,like you "gemma" i want a big family before I get too old.Maybe I am thinking this way b/c I will be 38 in a couple of weeks. I know statistics say that you have a 60% chance of miscarrying --normally but, this last pregnancy I had 3 UTIs on medication and I also had a cervical polyp removed which I believe could have caused the miscarriage,even though they say it didn't. I was 6 weeks when I miscarried and had to have a D&C. I really thought that with time I was going to feel better about the miscarriage and life goes on...but I feel worse almost an anxiety that I can't kick..desperate to become prego again! I also have a 20yr old son ... no issues..and don't want to raise my daughter alone now...kids need other kids... To end on a good note...my son told me that his friends mother who was 48 yrs old had a healthy baby boy.. Ultimately we really are not in control of our lives...God is... Trust in God your baby will come.

Marianne, 4 months ago

13

For all of you who are looking for herebal --holostic approach to becoming prego... my last 2 pregnancies before becoming pregnant i was using aloe vera... oral & vaginal supplement. It was such a coincidence that I became prego before using it...if interested see website www.alotek.com Hope this helps....

Marianne , 4 months ago

14

I thought i was alone,i've being trying to conceive,8yrs now,i did all the test i was fine,i drank and take herbal medicine,i fast and pray,i am frustrated,i never knew it would be so hard,i really want to have another child even one,i will be the happiest person on earth,my son is 10 and he would love to have a sister,but all who's tryin jus keep the faith cause god is going to answer our prayer very soon done give up.

debbie, 4 months ago

15

My husband and I have been trying for a while. I'm so frustrated that I can't seem to be my old self agian. I feel like the only way to be happy agian is by having a baby. And no matter what the doctor says, I can't help but think it is me. I ahve prayed for any type of breakthrough but I've found nothing. How do I keep from fighting with my husband over nothing. And I know I start the fights just becuase I'm tired of the stress of trying to get pregnant. I don't know what to do! Can someone help?

Tabatha, 2 months ago

16

My husband and I have been trying since July 07. In November I really thought it was the real deal, no period - but no, it was the start of several cruel months of 50- and 60- day cycles. Now I seem to be back to once a month, but now when I do the at-home ovulation kit, it tells me I am ovulating for 4 days at a time! Can't be, can it? Hasn't worked yet so I am having my doubts. I totally understand everyone's frustration. What makes it worse is I work with a lot of young women (late teens/early 20's) who keep having "oops" babies, so I am constantly surrounded by unplanned pregnancies. Some of them have had 3 or 4 or even more that they never planned on - I'd be over the moon with just one!

Amy, 2 months ago

17

Hello everyone,
I understand what everyone is going through. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for the last 2 years. I try not to let it get me down but at times it’s just overwhelming. Especially when I see my cousins having babies and I don’t have any. Like they have said before I have fasted and prayed and nothing But I know I sever a GOD that can do all things but fail. One of the ladies in my church told my husband and I not to worry we are going to be parents and we will have our own children and I have to hold on to faith even when I feel like it’s not happing for me. Everyone just stay encourage and it will HAPPEN FOR ALL OF US.
Be Blessed
Mia

Mia, 2 months ago

18

This is such an awesome blog...I miscarried about nine months ago - the due date was on Mother's Day - of all days. I have good days and bad days. I just keep praying that God will grant me patience until He has decided it's time for us to have a little one. It's still so hard though - everyone around me is pregnant and it's a constant reminder that we're struggling. I feel everyone's pain, and you're all in my prayers.

Betsy, 2 months ago

19

I miscarried the day after my wedding on my honeymoon. My husband and I stopped doing birth control 3 months before my wedding and got pregnant right away. I ended up having to have two D&Cs and a couple of months before everything was ok. I now have been trying to get pregnant for 7 months and nothing. I am frustrated and sad. I just hope that nothing is wrong now. I just have to keep reminding myself that God knows how much I want to have baby and that it will happen. While I wait I can only focus on my health and my husband who is such a great supporter even though he is in pain as well. God Bless and good luch to you all!

Elizabeth, about 1 month ago

20

I feel the pain of all those here but in a different way. I have five children One was a partial miscarriage ( i was supposed to have twins) and one died only three months after he was born. I want to have another child. I do believe that a higher power does control our lives but being a wiccan i believe that i can influence that control. Prayers Herbs Meditation and Relaxation have upped my fertility very well. my doctor said that i may have problems having children because i was born premature and many other things that have happened in my past. but today my doctor says that he is baffled by my body. when my HCG levels are checked they go off the charts
relax and let it happen most the time when you decide you dont want to have a child thats when you seem to get it the most. you create mental blocks in your body because while you say your not stressing and you say your okay month after month your not. in your mind you feel like you did something wrong in your mind you feel like you lost. but you didnt. never look at it as you didnt get it this time think of it as this is one more month to plan or this is one more month to condition my body to accept this gift. visualize yourself holding your child smiling happy dont think it will happen know. the power of positive thinking will do wonders.
i wish great luck and success to all those trying and hope that the positive force flowing from our collective thoughts helps to break down those blocks blessed be to all

Danielle, about 1 month ago

21

We have been trying to have a baby since thw year we got married, in the year 1999 . Now its being 9 years . I had a miscarriage in the year 2003 . I am really frustrated and depressed. I have started yoga .I have stopped taking all medicines from the past two months. I am stuggling to get a baby.

anitha

anitha, about 1 month ago

22

I got a blited ovum after 6 months of marriage and had D&C. And now I been trying to conceive for 2years but failed. I was trying not to think about it before but this time I always cry everytime i think how desperately I want a child of my own. I wish God will give a little of His mercy to me. If I will not get a child of my own maybe I will be crying my whole life...

Jewel, about 1 month ago

23

Everything has to happen on this earth at the right time,nothing is gonna happen before and after that time.God created this world, it doesn't mean that u can't even do anything. Be positive and get ready for IVF, if God is happy for u then its gonna be successful.

Nam, about 1 month ago

24

hi there i have heard about fertility spells it was on the mother and baby magazine i a have been trying for four years and i have a lot of faith it will work its been proven to work with a lot of happy custemers you need to have faith as well that it will work and people have fallen pregnant after a few times of trying its uasully works in the first six months with a lot of people i got a ring and my hormones have been spot on from when i got it done give it a go they sell them on ebay i recomend holly and hazel email them what spell you would like and they infuse it in to a charm or ring you only need to wear the charm or keep it near so give it a go usually around £10 at most there was people that spent thousand on ifv and it was there last chance and they become pregnant all the best

christine, 29 days ago

25

Fertility spells are guaranteed to be 100% nonsense.

Aaron Poehler, 22 days ago

26

Hi Ladies its me again. I just wanted to let you know that I am pregnant by the grace of God. Just a recap, I miscarriage in 12/07 and since then have been obsessed in trying to get pregnant. Well I'll tell you what I think work for me and of course with God's Blessing. Since 12/08 I've been tracking my ovulation calender and using the Ovo kits to track those days. I was getting frustrated then last month I started using the Clearblue Fertility monitor($150). I was skeptical but I heard positive feedback from my friends. Along with that I also used Pre-seed( lubricant sperm friendly). I believe that both of these interventions help me get pregnant and of course with Gods blessing. I believe that I was having a CM problem not enough of it and the sperm probably was dying within my vaginal walls. I am 38 and have had some cervical procedures that has decreased my CM quantity. So girls have faith & pray----God will lead you in the right direction feel it in your heart... Hopefully this pregnancy will be a good one... now at 6 weeks.

Marianne , 22 days ago

27

hi i am new herw 2 this forum. i have gone through 4 yrs of tryin 2 conceive and treatment (gonna b five in oct)... i am 27 now and i so desperately want a baby. i took clomid 4 12 mths then injections for 12 mths and the other 2yrs were when i got married and i didn't treatment as i was not aware off it... anyway i have an apt in sept 2 discuss about ivf, i'm givin my body a 3 mth break then ivf shud start i am quite concerned bcoz i am preparin my body 4 this ivf and i hope i have a positive outcome... we jus pray 4 each other

hinna khalid , 21 days ago

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