Childhood Stress & Infertility

For some women, experiencing menstrual irregularities can hinder getting pregnant. This can be healed, and even bypassed with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) by using certain medications and techniques, even as far as IVF. What might be behind these irregularities? For some women, it’s PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, hormone deficiencies or imbalances, or even other health challenges that were not previously thought of as fertility-related.

But, according to a study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, menstrual irregularities effecting fertility may be related to perceived trauma from the past, especially childhood issues, such as neglect, parents with substance abuse issues, etc. The study examined the mechanism by which adverse experiences in childhood impact female fertility. One of the theories they worked off of was the “life-history” theory, which investigates balancing the preservation of one’s health and the production of offspring that will survive to reproduce themselves, stating that, “early life stressors may predispose an individual to adaptively suppress fertility when situations are less than optimal, leading to periods of fertility difficulties even following previous births.”

So what does that mean for women with cycle irregularities or menstrual disorders, and women who are struggling with infertility? There is nothing we can do about our past. The best way to heal this is to create healing around your past, whether that includes counseling or spiritual work, or moving past it and embracing the healthy life that you have now. Creating a balanced, stress-free healthy life is achievable, and can help move one through their fertility journey to success, and in a healthier way than allowing the toxic components of one’s life remain in tact.

If you have questions about the psychology of fertility, counseling, therapy and struggles with your fertility journey, ask for help. Reaching out is better than staying closed up and alone, never making any decisions to help you go in the right direction. If you have any questions about fertility, please do not hesitate to call us.

Seeking fertility treatment can be one of the most significant decisions a couple or an individual can face. We recognize the importance of taking that step with a team you trust. You want someone to help you build your dream, with guidance, respect, pioneering technology and unparalleled personal care. We can help.

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