Can stress really stop me from getting pregnant?

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Just relax and it will happen”, you’ve probably wanted to scream (and maybe worse…). It can feel like a personal attack — like you are somehow to blame for your infertility by being stressed. And you’re here, so you’ve probably Googled at some point “Can stress cause infertility?”. Here’s the answer: not exactly — but stress can absolutely make the journey harder, both physically and emotionally.The truth is more complicated than that.

What the science says about stress and infertility

Stress alone doesn’t cause infertility. You don’t suddenly stop ovulating because you had a bad day at work. But ongoing, chronic stress can mess with your hormones, impact ovulation, and make timed intercourse or fertility treatments feel overwhelming.

Research in the US shows:

• Stress can alter cortisol and other hormones, which may affect menstrual cycles.
  
  
• Couples under high stress often have lower rates of conception, partly because of lifestyle factors (sleep, sex frequency, nutrition).
  
  
• Stress doesn’t cause infertility, but infertility can cause stress — a vicious cycle many couples know too well.

What it feels like when the stress takes over:

Even if stress isn’t “blocking” pregnancy directly, it can still feel like it is. Stress shows up in ways that hit hard during fertility struggles:

• Constant anxiety before ovulation or test days.
  
  
• Pressure during sex — when it feels like a chore, not intimacy, and this can sometimes make it harder to reach ejaculation for the male partner.
  
  
• Comparing yourself to friends, family, or strangers on Instagram.
  
  
• Feeling like you’re failing because your body isn’t doing what you want.
  
  

None of this means you’re broken — we promise you that much. It means you’re human.

Ways to manage stress while trying to conceive

You don’t have to eliminate stress (we all know that’s virtually impossible). The goal is to find tools that help you cope, so stress doesn’t run the show:

• Redefine control. Focus on what you can do — appointments, nutrition, sleep — and let go of what you can’t.
  
  
• Protect your headspace. Take breaks from fertility forums or social media if they trigger anxiety.
  
  
• Move your body. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can help regulate stress hormones.
  
  
• Talk it out. A fertility therapist or support group can remind you you’re not alone in this.
  
  
• Prioritize joy. Do things that have nothing to do with trying to conceive — date nights, hobbies, laughter.
  
  

The bottom line

Stress isn’t a villain that will “stop” you from getting pregnant. It’s just a symptom of how much this matters to you. You are allowed to feel overwhelmed without blaming yourself for the outcome.

So the next time someone tells you to “just relax,” remember this: stress doesn’t erase your chances. And finding ways to manage it isn’t about fixing fertility — it’s about protecting you.

With our personalized Plans, we help you navigate every step of your treatment, and support you with therapy sessions and a dedicated advocate. Find out more and request your own customizable Gaia Plan.

‍