Does anxiety affect fertility? Doctor explains impact on egg and sperm health

Stress and anxiety are common experiences for couples trying to conceive, often triggered by fertility tracking, medical tests, timing intercourse and uncertainty about when pregnancy may happen. While stress is usually linked to immediate pressures, anxiety often focuses on future fears and “what if” thoughts about the chances of conception and the length of the journey.

Experts say these emotional states are not limited to mental health and may also influence physical processes, including reproductive health.

Dr Manika Khanna, chairperson and managing director at Gaudium IVF, said many couples visiting fertility clinics worry about whether stress is affecting their ability to conceive.

She explained that chronic stress and anxiety can influence the body through increased cortisol levels, a stress hormone that may affect reproductive functions in both men and women.

In women, elevated cortisol may interfere with the hypothalamus, the gland responsible for regulating ovulation. It may also affect hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which play an important role in egg development.

In men, chronic stress may reduce testosterone levels, potentially affecting sperm count and sperm movement.

However, Dr Khanna said stress alone does not usually cause infertility. Instead, it can contribute to hormonal changes and behavioural patterns that may affect fertility outcomes.

She noted that anxiety can disrupt important lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, intimacy and following medical advice. Over time, these changes may have a greater impact on fertility than stress hormones alone.

Experts recommend managing anxiety through consistent lifestyle practices, including mindfulness exercises, physical activity such as walking or yoga, open communication between partners and professional counselling when stress becomes difficult to manage.

While completely eliminating stress may not be realistic, managing it effectively can help reduce its possible impact on overall well-being and the fertility journey.