STRESS AND INFERTILITY IN WOMEN - IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP

Research has strongly suggested that infertility is an organic problem . Recently, studies hare indicated that, Indeed, stress may contribute to some cases of infertility. Stress management and relaxation traini ng show promise in decreasing psychological distress in infertile wome n, as well as the potential for increasing conception rates. A bebavio ral medicine group treatment program for infertile women was started i n 1987, which is described and illustrated in this article. Participan ts demonstrate significant decreases in all measured areas of psycholo gical distress, as well as a 34% conception rate. Because the majority of infertile women who attend behavioral sessions experience signific ant psychological relief and some may experience increased conception rates, it Is suggested that such psychological interventions be offere d to all infertile women. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.