Discover how stress may be impacting your fertility journey—and what you can do about it. In this episode of Time to Talk Fertility, Dr. Arlene Go, Reproductive Endocrinologist, explains that while stress doesn’t directly cause infertility, it can certainly make it harder to conceive. She breaks down how cortisol and other stress hormones can affect ovulation, menstrual cycles, and treatment routines, while also sharing practical ways to manage stress during fertility care. From sleep, exercise, and nutrition to therapy, mindfulness, and setting healthy boundaries, patients will walk away with expert guidance, reassurance, and simple strategies to feel more supported and in control throughout treatment. Listen now.
Questions with Dr. Arlene Go:
• How does stress physiologically affect the reproductive system?
• Can chronic stress actually cause infertility, or does it just make the journey harder?
• What role do cortisol and other stress hormones play in ovulation and implantation?
• Can stress alter the results of fertility treatments like IUI, IVF, or egg freezing?
• Are there any studies that definitively link stress reduction to higher pregnancy rates?
• What are some effective strategies for managing stress during fertility treatments?
• Are there lifestyle changes (like diet, exercise, sleep) that can help reduce stress and boost fertility?
• How important is mental health support (like therapy or support groups) for patients going through infertility?
• What advice do you have for partners who want to support each other through the stress of infertility?
• Should patients consider pausing treatments if their stress levels feel out of control?
• What final message would you share with patients feeling overwhelmed by the stress of trying to conceive?
The Time to Talk Fertility podcast releases new episodes monthly and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Tune In, Google Play and Spotify.
Medical contribution by Arlene A. Go, M.D.
Dr. Arlene Go is dedicated to guiding patients through the complexities of fertility treatment with a blend of cutting-edge medical advancements and compassionate care.
