You keep trying and trying, but no success.
You want a child so much, but now realize it's not that easy, at least for you two.
Maybe you will never have children of your own you think.
Why us? Why me? What are we going to do? Why are we infertile? Am I stressed because we can't get pregnant or are we not getting pregnant because we are so stressed? OK, let's address this to determine what is the cause and effect here and if infertility stress is the culprit.
The fact is, there is a circuitous issue here, and the infertility and stress correlation is not well documented or really understood.
It should be obvious, and several can attest to the fact, that the diagnosis of, or maybe even the idea of, infertility, will adversely affect a couple's stress level.
Thinking, or learning, that you cannot have children will certainly generate all kinds of emotions.
On the other hand, will stress actually inhibit your ability to get pregnant? Well, we know that stress directly affects both physical as well as psychological aspects of a normal person.
It possibly results in changes in the body's chemical and neurological systems.
Of course, this could directly impact all kinds of body functions, including egg production, sperm count, tube spasms, and erectile dysfunction.
Also it may disrupt the normal menstrual cycle as well as affect the hypothalamus, which triggers certain sex hormone production.
And how about this; stress may result in over production of prolactin from the pituitary, which can lead to ovulation problems.
So, yes, some professionals proclaim that stress is indeed a factor in causing infertility.
They believe that the body and mind are so interconnected, that it is normal for emotions, including stress, to negatively influence fertility.
For example, it is known that some men experience a reduction in libido with an increase of stress, which may result in sexual disinterest.
Likewise, some women relate overeating to increased stress, leading to hormone dysfunctions and in turn, ovulation irregularities.
An ongoing downward spiral can sometimes result just from the anxiety of all the issues surrounding infertility, leading to further stress for both involved, and possibly additional anxiety, and so it goes.
Family pressures, financial issues, marital strains and sexuality concerns can all contribute to this cycle.
There is no question in all this, however, that an infertility diagnosis can release extreme emotions for either partner and result in high stress levels.
So infertility causing stress is easier to evaluate and is well documented.
Almost half of the females diagnosed with infertility experience significant depression and anxiety, leading to further stress.
This is similar to women facing heart problems or cancer, and can be debilitating.
Once learning of pregnancy problems, stress levels rise further as treatment options, success rates and costs are disclosed.
Many couples feel helpless and a loss of control in achieving their dream of parenthood.
If you feel infertility stress is overwhelming your life, you may find solace in a support group locally, or possibly online.
Your treatment clinic can directly assist and guide you in handling some of the psychological issues, or help you find a support group.
If that doesn't seem to help, professional counseling for either or both partner is possible.
If there is extreme distress, mental health experts can be of assistance.
Understand that most couples that face infertility, overcome and have children.
Approximately 2/3 of those under treatment eventually have a child.
That potential alone should put you in a more positive realm, reduce your stress and give you renewed hope.