---
title: Infertility and stress
url: https://mbmi.org/conditions/infertility
description: Whether stress causes infertility, what psychological support can do for distress and pregnancy rates, and how mind-body programs fit with medical treatment.
author: Mind and Body content team
last_updated: 2026-10-26
---
# Infertility and stress

Infertility is stressful, and stress does not usually cause it. Psychological support can reduce distress and may help some people, alongside medical evaluation and treatment.

## Key takeaways

- Infertility has medical causes, in women and in men, and needs evaluation by a clinician.
- Support such as cognitive-behavioral and mind-body programs reduces distress.
- Reviews suggest psychosocial care might improve pregnancy rates, but the evidence is mixed. It is not a replacement for treatment.

## Does stress cause infertility?

Infertility is far more often linked to ovulation, tubal, sperm or uterine factors than to stress. But the experience of infertility and its treatment is a significant source of distress, which can affect relationships and well-being. Being told to relax is unhelpful, and it can also add guilt.


## What psychological programs achieve

An early trial of group programs for infertile women found higher pregnancy rates in participants.[1] (source 1) A later meta-analysis of 39 studies found that psychosocial interventions, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, reduced psychological distress and may have improved clinical pregnancy rates. Study quality varied.[2] (source 2)


> From the MBMI Archive: [Fertility](https://mbmi.org/archive/programs/fertility) — The institute's mind/body infertility program, 2005–2009.


## What may help

- Seek a medical evaluation if you have been trying for 12 months, or 6 months if over 35
- Ask your clinic about counselling or support groups
- Use a daily relaxation practice to ease anxiety and sleep
- Share the load with your partner, friends or a therapist


## Common questions

### Will relaxing help me get pregnant?

There is no guarantee. Relaxation and counselling help many people cope, and some studies suggest a benefit for pregnancy rates, but medical factors are decisive.

### Is stress a reason to postpone treatment?

Not usually. Your clinician can advise on timing, and support can run alongside treatment.


## Sources

1. Domar AD, Clapp D, Slawsby EA, et al. Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women. Fertil Steril. 2000;73(4):805–811. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00493-8
2. Frederiksen Y, Farver-Vestergaard I, Skovgård NG, et al. Efficacy of psychosocial interventions for psychological and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women and men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2015;5(1):e006592. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006592