Can stress cause infertility? | Care Fertility

Trying for a baby can feel all-consuming. When you’ve been hoping, tracking, and waiting for what feels like forever, the pressure starts to build – and stress often comes hand in hand. But can stress actually affect your fertility? And what can you do to manage it?

We’re here to unpack what we know, what’s still being explored, and how you can look after yourself during what can be an incredibly emotional time.

• Can stress cause infertility? 
• What comes first – the stress or the struggle?
• Spotting the signs of stress
• What you can do
• The next steps
  

First things first – can stress cause infertility?

There’s no clear-cut answer. Right now, there’s no scientific evidence to say that stress directly causes infertility. But that doesn’t mean it’s not playing a part.

We do know that long-term stress can mess with your hormones – particularly the ones that control ovulation and sperm production. And that could make it harder to conceive.

For example, high levels of cortisol (your body’s stress hormone) can interfere with the delicate balance of reproductive hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. This can affect your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and even how your womb lining develops – all of which are important when trying to get pregnant.

In people with testicles, stress can reduce testosterone levels and lower sperm quality. Again, not ideal when you’re trying to conceive.

So, while stress itself might not be the root cause of fertility issues, it can definitely make things more difficult.

What comes first – the stress or the struggle?

If you’re finding it hard to conceive, you’ve probably already heard it all – from “just relax and it’ll happen” to “go on holiday and you’ll come back pregnant.”

But here’s the reality: struggling to get pregnant is stressful. It’s not something that can be fixed with a bubble bath or a weekend away.

In fact, research shows that people going through fertility treatment often experience stress levels similar to those facing serious medical conditions like cancer. And that’s before the added strain of blood tests, appointments, and two-week waits.

So no – stress isn’t always the cause. But it is a very real part of the fertility journey. And it deserves to be taken seriously.

Spotting the signs of stress

When you’re in the middle of it all, it can be hard to tell just how much stress is affecting you. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Trouble sleeping (or not feeling rested even when you do sleep)
• Feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or low
• Headaches, jaw clenching, or muscle tension
• Changes in your appetite or digestion
• Feeling constantly on edge or unable to switch off

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Stress is incredibly common – especially when your body isn’t doing what you desperately want it to.

So, what can you do?

You might not be able to magic the stress away (we wish we could), but there are ways to manage it – even during fertility treatment.

Here are a few strategies that can help:

Prioritise rest and routine

Creating a gentle routine – one that includes regular meals, rest, and movement – can give your body and mind something to lean on when everything else feels uncertain.

That doesn’t mean forcing yourself to the gym or sticking to a strict plan. Just aim for small, nourishing habits you can build into your day.

Talk to someone you trust

Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a fertility counsellor, speaking honestly about what you’re going through can make a big difference. Sometimes just saying it out loud is enough to take the weight off your shoulders.

At Care Fertility, we offer counselling as part of every treatment package – because your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical health.

If you’re feeling panicky or overwhelmed, grounding techniques can bring you back to the present. A few that many people find helpful:

• 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
• Breathwork: Try breathing in for four seconds, holding for four, and breathing out for four. Repeat a few times to calm your nervous system.

Everyone has opinions when it comes to fertility – and they’re not always helpful. It’s OK to say, “I don’t want to talk about it right now” or “We’ll share updates when we’re ready.” Protecting your space is an act of self-care.

This is a big one. It’s easy to blame yourself when things aren’t going to plan, but none of this is your fault. Fertility struggles are medical issues, not personal failings. You deserve care, support, and patience – especially from yourself.

We’re here for you

If you're thinking about starting treatment or you're already partway through, we understand just how heavy this journey can feel. At Care Fertility, we’ll guide you through every step – with expert support, personalised plans, and space to talk about whatever’s on your mind.

Fertility isn’t just about medicine. It’s about people. And we’re here to support you – body and mind.