The dream of welcoming the soft steps of a child into one’s life is a cherished aspiration for many, yet achieving this dream may require assistance beyond the natural course for some. Infertility, impacting around 8-10% of couples globally, presents a significant barrier to this goal. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reveals that 1 in 7 couples face challenges with infertility.
Defining infertility, health experts concur that couples who have not succeeded in conceiving after a year of attempts are classified as infertile. Amidst the spectrum of solutions explored, fertility yoga moves emerge as a non-medical intervention gaining attention for their potential to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
Infertility and its link to stress
Being unable to conceive can cause high levels of stress, and it’s often thought that stress plays a part in infertility. However, infertility is a medical condition caused by medical and biological factors.
In females, infertility is caused by:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Hypothalamus/Pituitary Gland Problems
- Premature Ovarian Failure
- Age
- Damaged fallopian tubes
- Adenomyosis
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
In males, infertility is caused by:
- Poor sperm quality and low sperm production
- Problems with sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Chronic health problems e.g. diabetes, hypertension
So where does stress come in?
One way that stress can indirectly affect fertility is through the primary stress hormone, also known as cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol have been shown to adversely affect ovulation, which is key to fertility and getting pregnant.
So if you’re actively trying to conceive, apart from getting checked for the aforementioned medical conditions, it will be helpful to lower your cortisol levels – not just for the sake of fertility but for your overall health too.
Reducing stress with fertility yoga and exercise
One of the scientifically proven ways we can lower our stress levels is by exercising. Exercise together with a healthy diet has long been touted as the holy grail of life. Many medical conditions can be easily avoided if we have a healthy lifestyle (genetics aside).
An exercise that has been gaining much traction among men and women is yoga. That is indeed a stretch in the right direction, as one of the key benefits of yoga is stress relief.
Over the years, studies have shown the impact yoga has on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Yoga has also been shown to:
- Increase your chances of conception by stimulating blood flow and stimulating the reproductive system
- Support and regulate the endocrine system (responsible for hormone production)
- Calm the mind
Yoga therapy has also been found to improve infertility in both men and women by:
- Enhancing the overall balance (both figuratively and literally) of the whole body
- improving reproductive functions by reducing stress and balancing the neurohormonal profile
- Altering brain waves and decreasing cortisol levels
Yoga itself cannot improve sperm or egg quality, but it can be an important part of a fertility-promoting lifestyle. People who practice yoga have lower stress, better control over their blood glucose levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and respond better to stress.
Is it dangerous to practice fertility yoga while trying to conceive?
If you are practising fertility yoga under the proper guidance of a qualified instructor, there is no danger. But like all exercises, always be cautious and not put yourself beyond your body’s limits.
If you’re considering fertility yoga or wellness practice as part of preconception planning, Thrive has a slew of options.
Thrive combines yoga, ayurvedic nutrition and relaxation to help you conceive. Some clinically tested approaches they offer include:
- Fertility coaching
- Fertility relaxation program
- Fertility yoga classes
- Dosha diagnosis
- Fertility yoga for doshas
- Fertility ayurveda
The best part is everything is conducted online at your own pace. To ensure your journey toward conception is supported with expert guidance and holistic practices, consider exploring our comprehensive Yoga fertility program. Whether you’re new to fertility yoga or looking to deepen your practice, Thrive offers a unique blend of yoga, Ayurvedic nutrition, and relaxation techniques tailored to your journey. Join us to embrace a balanced approach to fertility and wellness.