Stress Does Not Affect Success Rate of IVF or ART

Stress and tension does not reduce the success rate of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproductive techniques (ART), say experts from the Cardiff Fertility Studies Research Group. Last year the researchers at the Oxford University had claimed that higher levels of stress reduced a woman's chances of being pregnant. However, according to the new study emotional distress due to infertility treatment or day-to-day stress in a couple's life does not prevent the IVF technique from being successful. It was found that several women believed that if they were stressed they will not get pregnant either naturally or with fertility treatment. But a review of 14 studies on fertility treatment and stress, which involved about 3500 infertile women, proved that this is not true. Researchers examined the effect of stress on women who were undergoing IVF and found that the chances of pregnancy were equal among calm women and women who were stressed or anxious.

Lead of the study, Professor Jacky Boivin said, "The finding should reassure women and doctors that emotional distress caused by fertility problems or other life events co-occurring with treatment will not compromise the chance of becoming pregnant."

Source-Medindia