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F O R P A T I E N T S – stress & infertility
Stress and Infertility
Breaking the Cycle of Stress
To break this cycle, the emotional tension must be addressed. We intuitively know that the mind (psyche or soul) can influence physiological responses. Just think of the emotion of fear. When one feels fear, there are distinct bodily symptoms such as dry mouth, pounding heart, sweaty palms, etc. that accompany this emotional feeling. Perhaps, the techniques available for stress reduction could reverse the emotional stress of infertility.
Benson (l992) contends that stress and relaxation can not co-exist. Several research studies have documented the positive effect of relaxation in other fields. Stuart (l987) used relaxation to help patients reduce blood pressure with out medication. Mandle (l990) documented less pain medication use and a decrease in anxiety by hospital patients who listened to a relaxation tape. Goodale (l990) was able to document decreased premenstrual symptoms in women who practiced relaxation techniques. And lastly Domar (l992) cited double the pregnancy rates for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) patients who practiced relaxation coping techniques.
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