Does High Stress Equal Infertility

 Many of my patients already suspect that stress is a factor in their fertility and their ability to get pregnant. Now it looks like there is real evidence that this is indeed the case.

British scientists have found evidence of this from the saliva samples of 400 fertile aged women. The samples measured alpha-amylase, an enzyme in the saliva that may be used as an indicator of the body's response to stress. Higher levels indicate higher stress levels. Women with high levels of alpha amylase were found to be about 12 percent less likely to get pregnant.

Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce the stress response with great success. This is very promising for  women whose fertility is being affected by stress. Before trying other more invasive and expensive methods of increasing chances of conception why not try fertility acupuncture first. It is low cost by comparison, very pleasant and relaxing and it will likely greatly increase your chances of conception.

Are We Losing Our Fertility?

Based on the numbers of women that seek help in getting pregnant you might say yes. The growing use of IVF to aid women in achieving pregnancy suggest that there is a growing rise in infertility. How can we account for this?

Partly it is due women delaying pregnancy until older ages. In the past people began their families while in their 20s. Now many wait until they are in their 30s or even 40s. Most women are aware that fertility declines as we get older, but many are not aware of the age markers for that decline.

As we listen to the news and hear about celebrities in their 40s having babies we think, no big deal, I can wait a little longer to have my baby. After all women are having babies all the time in their 40s. This is not necessarily true. Some women can become pregnant after the age of 40, but many cannot. Fertility drops first at age 35, then again more significantly at age 40. Another decline comes around age 43 after which it is very difficult to achieve pregnancy, but not impossible.

The good news is that there are things you can do to preserve your fertility, and to enhance it even if you are in the older range. Chinese Medicine offers many ways to preserve and enhance your fertility. From herbs and acupuncture to special supplements and lifestyle guidance I help women on a daily basis to enhance their fertility, to achieve the dream of pregnancy.

Based on a 75% success rate of achieving pregnancy for my patients this year, I would say, no we are not losing our fertility!