Impact Of Stress And Sleep On Overall Reproductive Health And IVF Outcomes | Expert Explains

Stress, Sleep And Reproductive Health: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) opens a world of possibilities for those dreaming of parenthood. Understanding the factors that influence its success can greatly enhance this journey. Studies have highlighted that effective stress management and good sleep hygiene play a crucial role in improving IVF outcomes.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Suma Varsha, IVF Specialist, Ferty9 Fertility Center, Vijayawada explained how sleep and stress impact reproductive health and IVF outcomes in individuals.

According to Dr Varsha, research indicates that both chronic and short-term stress can negatively impact different stages of IVF, most notably during the egg retrieval stage. Egg retrieval is a surgical procedure that removes eggs from a woman's ovaries as part of IVF. These eggs are then combined with sperm to create embryos, which are transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. High-stress levels during this process are associated with poorer embryo quality and reduced fertilisation rates. Therefore, the egg retrieval stage is crucial, as it sets the foundation for the entire IVF cycle.
 
Cortisol, a hormone often associated with stress, is commonly measured in studies as an indicator of stress levels. Elevated cortisol during egg retrieval has been linked to depressive symptoms, which can further impair IVF outcomes. Thus, managing stress effectively is essential not only for general well-being but also for improving the likelihood of IVF success.

Impact Of Stress And Sleep On Reproductive Health (Image Credits: Canva)
 
Similarly, the impacts of sleep on reproductive health are also important. Poor sleep quality is linked with reduced fertility in both natural and assisted pregnancies. The disrupted sleep patterns often experienced during IVF treatments can increase physical and emotional discomfort. Sleep supports hormonal balance, which is essential for successful fertilisation and embryo development.
 
To improve IVF outcomes, stress management and healthy sleep habits are crucial. Mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive-behavioural therapy can be effective in reducing stress levels. Creating a relaxing sleep environment, maintaining regular sleep hours, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine can enhance sleep quality.
 
Incorporating lifestyle changes into IVF treatment may greatly benefit women's health and improve their chances of a successful pregnancy. Health practitioners are encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to IVF that emphasises not only the technical aspects of treatment but also stress management and sleep improvement strategies. This approach not only fosters reproductive health but also enhances the overall quality of care.

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