(08-05-14) Stress doubles risk of infertility

by Luke Jones 

(NaturalNews) A recent study has shown that women with the highest stress levels are much more likely to fail to get pregnant within 12 months of trying.

The study was published in the most recent online edition of the journal Human Reproduction. Researchers from Ohio State University tracked 373 American women aged 18 to 40 who had just started trying to conceive. Their progress was followed over a 12-month time period or until they became pregnant. None of the subjects had any known prior infertility problems.

Saliva tests were conducted at the beginning of the study and repeated at the start of each participant's first recorded menstrual cycle. The tests measured levels of the salivary enzyme alpha-amylase, a biological indicator of stress.

Researchers found that women with high levels of the enzyme were 29% less likely to get pregnant each month than those with low levels. The results also showed that high levels of pre-conception stress more than double the chances of a woman failing to get pregnant after 12 months of trying.

Previous research has already shown a link between high stress levels and a reduced probability of pregnancy. The new findings only add more supporting evidence and highlight the importance of controlling stress levels.

The researchers recommended yoga and mediation for those hoping to become pregnant. Regular exercise and eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet also increase the chances of success.

Sources for this article:

C.D. Lynch, R. Sundaram, J.M. Maisog, A.M. Sweeney, and G.M. Buck Louis
"Preconception stress increases the risk of infertility: results from a couple-based prospective cohort study - the LIFE study."
Hum. Reprod. 2014: deu032v1-deu032.

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