Stress may Increase the Risk of Infertility

Stress can take a major toll on our physical and mental health. And unfortunately, a recent study shows that women under significant amounts of stress may be at an increased risk of infertility.

To study this, researchers tested saliva samples in women, specifically looking for the salivary enzyme alpha-amylase.

"Women with higher levels of the stress biomarker had a two-fold increased risk of infertility," said study author Courtney Lynch, via WebMd. Lynch added that this enzyme that's secreted into the mouth not only helps the body to better digest certain foods, but it's also known as the 'fight-or-flight' response that's triggered during times of high stress.

Lynch and colleagues tested saliva samples from around 400 couples who were recruited from targeted counties in Texas and Michigan. All of the women were asked for two sets of saliva samples, all of which were taken right after they woke up as varying factors can affect alpha-amylase levels, including the digestion of certain foods. 

Findings showed that 87 percent of the female participants become pregnant. Yet women with the highest alpha-amylase levels also had a 29 percent lower probability of pregnancy when compared to the women who had the lowest levels of the enzyme.

"The message is not that everyone should go enroll in yoga tomorrow," she said, via WebMd. "The message is that if you've tried for five or six months and you aren't getting anywhere, maybe you should look at your lifestyle and think about whether or not stress might be a problem for you. And if it is, you might want to consider a stress-management program."

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Human Reproduction.