When we first started trying to get pg, I had recently left a very stressful job, and was starting over in a completely different career. DH had a high stress job, and right after we started ttc Dh's brother and his wife had just started to try and got pg on the first cycle. Because of our less than stellar relationship with them, their pregnancy was hard for me to take. To make a long story short the entire time we were ttc the first time around my stress level was thru the roof, every month felt like do or die for me, we didn't know until a year of trying what the problem even was.When I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, I know my stress had given way to full-on depression, although if you had asked me at the time I thought I was handling everything OK.
So fast forward to 2 IUI's and one successful IVF later we are ready to try again, and I am well aware that the chances of me getting pg on my own are probaly slim, but I do still wonder. My RE classified us as endo/unexplained IF, and looking back now it amazes how differently I feel. I now know I was quite depressed, and once I started feeling good again, it made me realize just how bad I had been feeling for quite a long time. So I wonder if this stress and depression had an effect on my fertillity.The first doctor I went to claimed stress had no effect whatsoever, and plenty of people living stressful lives get pg very easily. While I know this is true, I don't think he had a clue just how bad I was feeling. Anyway I am sorry to ramble, I just wanted any thoughts or opinions you are willing to share.

Sarah, I have done LOTS of research on this topic and ABSOLUTELY stress affects fertility!!!!

When you feel stress your body releases cortisol and adrenalin - this is to help you deal with "fight or flight." When your body is in fight or flight mode, it automatically shuts down "accessory functions" - digestion, taste, reproduction, etc. These are functions that are NOT necessary to keep you alive. Think of it this way...if you are in a car accident with your child and you are injured but must save your child, it is quite likely that you will not even notice your injury/pain until long after your child is safe - same theory. Your body releases cortisol and adrenalin in order to give you the boost you need to either fight of flee. All body functions that are not specifically related to SAVING YOUR LIFE (such as reproduction) are not processed by the brain.

Stress has a HUGE effect on reproduction!! In order to combat stress, I would highly suggest yoga - there are very specific poses that can enhance fertility. Any yoga RYT-500 should be able to show you 5-6 poses that increase bloodflow to the pelvic area, thereby regenerating/rejuvenating bloodflow.

I may be able to dig up a few internet articles, let me know if you are interested...

I'm with Suzi. I had a very stressful job and could not get pg, even after a lap. I quit my job and a month later, I was pg with my son. Even my gyn mentioned that I was very stressed and it was counter-productive to getting pg.

Thank you Ladies for the feedback.

I would like to think that it may be possible for us to get to pg without as much intervention this time. It truly amazes me to realize just how bad I was feeling last time around. I think the first doc I saw shouldn't have been so dismissive, I was pretty clearly quite depressed. Oh well, hindsight sure is 20/20.

I would also agree that stress could be a factor. If stress can cause other illnesses, why wouldn't it also affect your fertility. And isn't stress a common source of AF arriving late or throwing off your cycle? I think that could add to it too.

Hugs for you Sarah! :hug99: