Hi Ladies

I read an interesting article last week about how stress can create a hostile environment for our OH's little swimmers and it got me thinking. I know my hubby doesn't have the greatest swimmers but his results are not what you would describe as catastrophic by any means. I am under a great deal of pressure at work and I am wondering if perhaps this isn't exactly helping the situation? In other words, if I wasn't so stressed out his poor little swimmers might stand a better chance - I am probably making things even harder than they already are.

My work fluctuates in terms of pressure on a monthly basis and it just so happens that around the time of ov is my most stressful period at work.

Does anyone have a view on whether stress really does have a part to play in affecting our fertility?

Also, does anyone have any good stress-relieving tips for when things get bad?

xx

From what I've heard, stress does play a part in fertility, I must say I have noticed that most people get their bfp when they least expect it, when they're having fun, drunk or not even thinking about it. However, we all know how hard it is to forget about it, and having done this and it not work, I'm not sure it would work for everyone. All I can say is I've noticed twice in the last year that I ovulated 2 weeks later than I thought I would due to stress so I'm convinced it can affect it.

People deal with stress in different ways, some have a drink to relax, others a bath, others watch a film, others meditate. It's finding something which works for you I suppose. Maybe yoga would help? I find it a bit boring but I know it's meant to work wonders for some people (and probably would me if I could be bothered!).

x

Hey angelfish sweetie. As you know my cons did say to me that despite my hubbie's s/a being pretty bad, my stress about the situation was probably the biggest factor stopping us conceiving. I'm not 100% sure about this as our new cons did not mention my stress and said that with my hubbie's results we would be quite unlikely to ever concieve naturally. But, I can see how it would have an effect. Stress leads to the release of adrenaline and cortisol....our body goes into fight / flight mode and is only concerned with keeping us safe...NOT making babies. So it does make sense that stress wouldn;t help. However, try not to stress about that too as that will probably only exacerbate things. Maybe as mrsj suggests, thinking of something to relax you would be a good plan....as much for yourself as for TTC? This is all easier said than done IMO though, as the longer this has gone on, the more difficult I have found it to relax! xxx

Hi, I believe it's a big factor too, and I've been in a stressful job for a while, but got promoted to an even more stressful one about the same time we started TTC.
This is one of the reasons I've been toying with the idea of acupuncture. It's meant to help with fertility, but if it doesn't do that it is certainly meant to be relaxing, which will help I believe.

If you don't fancy that even the odd day out at a spa together, weekend away, or hour massage together or just for yourself is surely bound to bring the stress levels down.

It's one of those things it's easy to advise others on, and you know it's a good idea, but it's hard to make time for..! I'm definately going to start scheduling some relaxation time very soon.

HI, I'm pretty sure it's a big factor too. I have just been made redundant and it was really stressful going through that process (which has taken nearly six months) and LTTTC and finding out I only have one kidney and half my reproductive organs (all at the same time too!). I've decided not to go back to work until we've been through IVF which will be in the first part of next year. I've also started reflexology and aromotherapy back massage, each once a month, in a bid to reduce stress levels. I think a bit of 'me' time is worth its weight in gold!

Hi Angelfish

I have also been told stress is a factor, but I think we ladies have to be really careful not to beat ourselves up about this. Sometimes the way articles are written and advice is framed, it's as if it's our fault we aren't conceiving. It so, so isn't.

That being said, stress is a horrible thing for so many reasons. I was promoted in January 2008 to a very, very stressful position, and it made me very stressed - sleepless nights and spontaneous tears most evenings. In March 2009 (nearly a year of unsuccessful TTC and one MC later) I went to my boss and asked to change roles. I have been very lucky that I could do this, and it has made me feel a lot better to know I am in a role I am doing well and one I can juggle with hospital appointments for treatment. It is still challenging and stressful at times, but I'm no longer managing a team of 20 which was proving very hard work.

My favourite ways to relieve stress are yoga (once a week) and I also use a relaxtion/hypnotherapy CD. One of the great things about the CD is it encourages positive visualisations, so it's a great excuse to switch everything off and fantastise about holding my baby - and because a professional is telling me to do it, it officially does not count as obsessing!! Yay!

I also go to reflexology once a month, which I love. Not sure it particularly helps me OV etc (I'm pumped full of IUI drugs at the moment anyway so it makes no difference!!) but my reflexologist is lovely to talk to and I really look forward to the sessions as they are so relaxing.

I also have some geeky (but relaxing) habits like massive jigsaws and knitting. The knitting means that when junior comes along, he/she will have a huge stack of homemade blankets and cardies! (Oh, what a confession)

Good luck
xx

MrsHopeful - same here, just been made redundant and decided to do my own thing until the new year in the hope it helps ttc and with my ibs which has really been getting me down!x

Thanks for your replies everyone, it's interesting to hear what you all think.

Mrsj36 - I also hear all too often of people who get their BFP's when they simply stop worrying about it. It's not easy, though, how on earth do they do it?! I didn't get on with yoga when I tried it a few years ago, but it might be worth giving it another go.

TBD - how are you doing? I know you find it difficult to relax hun but it was really interesting to read your response about fight/flight mode. I hadn't really thought of it like that.

LED - I was also promoted recently, which isn't exactly helping the stress levels! I'm not sure about acupuncture but have heard lots of good things about it. Like your spa/massage idea though!

Mrshopeful - you are so right about having some me time. Must try to fit it in!

MrsD - how horrible for you, but at the same time lucky that you were able to switch roles. Unfortunately it is not that easy for me. Thank you for confessing your geeky hobbies!

My problem is that even if I do manage somehow to stop stressing about TTC, my work is still a big cause of stress for me and there isn't much I can do about that. I just need to find some relaxation techniques. I love going to gym, which is a good way to unwind, but is hardly relaxing. I must make a conscious effort to take some time out from now on.

Thanks again for sharing all your thoughts x

Hey Angelfish, wow this has been a really interesting thread to read through. It's difficult when your work is unavoidably stressful. I guess all you can do is try to manage the stress at work as best as possible and keep home-life as filled with nice relaxing things as you can. It's hard though when you have to get on with the reality of daily life.

I'm doing ok thanks hon. Must say I have been much more relaxed since we decided to start IVF, although actually doing IVF has been a bit stressful! Am feeling positive and hopeful though.

Hope you put some me-time aside soon sweetie xxx