Reducing Stress to Manage Infertility

Infertility can be one of the biggest problems a newly married couple may be facing. You've finished school, started your career, and feel you are ready for family and children. You've found your mate, love each and are committed, but no babies are coming. Month after month you try and month after month you turn up empty. You've read all the methods and followed the calendars and each time you are unsuccessful, a larger burden is created. It has been found, after much debate in both directions, that one of the leading causes of infertility in women is nothing more than stress. Recent studies as reported on familyresource.com have shown that in many cases stress management has solved infertility problems previously diagnosed as caused by unknown factors. If you have such a diagnosis or even if you don't, it will not hurt to try to reduce the levels of stress in your life and see how you fare. ABC news reported just one such success story that can be read on their website at abcnews.com. The biggest problem in reducing stress as a means in dealing with infertility is that the infertility itself may be the cause of most of the stress. This vicious psychological circle is tough to break, but by following these recommendations, it is possible to lend some order and relaxation to your life and just maybe allow yourself to conceive a child.

1. Add some humor into your life. One study shows that infertility patients visited by a comedian for 15 minutes daily claimed success in conceiving. (dailymail.co.uk) Watch funny movies or comedians that make you laugh. Read humorous shorts and jokes. Smile and laugh. Allow yourself some fun and it will help to reduce your stress.

2. Communicate with your partner. Keep an open dialogue with your partner. Talk not only about your attempts to conceive a child, but about every day events as well. Talking and holding a meaningful conversation about your problems and situations will help you release the tension that may be created by keeping your thoughts bottled up.

3. Watch what you eat, drink, and everything you put into your body. Unhealthy diets and certain substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can create turmoil in your body and with your emotions. Eating three healthy meals on a regular schedule daily will help promote a healthy lifestyle that naturally reduces stress.

4. Exercise regularly. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes every other day to exercise, but don't overdo it. Over-exercising can and will invariably lead to more stress if you are already strapped for time. A regular walk, low-impact aerobics, or yoga can help to relieve tension. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

5. Enjoy your sexual experiences. Keep love in your life and enjoy sex for the physical pleasure and the closeness to your partner. Many couples trying too hard to conceive often turn sex into a mechanical act that takes all the pleasure out of the act. Vary your sexual positions, act out your fantasies, add a little romance to your life and your stress will be reduced.

6. Allow yourself to act out your emotions. Do not keep your feelings inside. If you are hurt that you have not yet had a baby, give yourself a little time to cry. Afterward, you will feel better. Talk to your partner about this and get support in times of emotional turmoil.

7. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can treat stress. If you are open to alternative medical treatments, seek out a licensed professional and go in for a consultation. This ancient Chinese art has worked wonders for millions of people throughout the ages.

8. Simplify your life. Sit down some night and think about your day and the days of the previous week. Write down everything you did. Take a look at the list and eliminate anything that was unnecessary. Create a regular schedule for yourself and stick to it. This schedule must allow time for relaxation with your partner and/or by yourself.

9. Keep a positive attitude. Optimists live better and healthier lives in general. Don't worry about things you cannot control. Don't despair about the unknown or the future. Let yourself understand that everything works out eventually, and usually in ways that you could never foresee.

10. Get professional help. Seek out a psychologist or counselor and schedule regular sessions with them. Do not be afraid of seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you discover the sources of your stress if you are having a difficult time finding them yourself.

Following these guidelines will reduce your stress and allow your body to relax and function properly. Understand, as well, that this is not a 100% cure and stress reduction may not increase fertility for you personally. This is one more option that is worth considering and don't be afraid to think about alternative methods of having a child, including adoption.