Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 26: Mental and emotional well-being may play a significant role in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes, with new findings suggesting that stress and anxiety could influence success rates.

A recent observational study conducted at an IVF centre in Pune analysed around 120 women undergoing IVF, a procedure in which eggs and sperm are combined outside the body. The study assessed anxiety and stress levels and examined their possible link to treatment outcomes.

The findings showed that women with successful IVF outcomes—about 40 per cent of participants—reported lower anxiety and stress levels compared to those whose cycles were unsuccessful.

The average anxiety score among participants was 6.2, ranging between 3 and 12. Women with successful outcomes had an average score of 5.5, while those with failed cycles recorded a higher average of 6.7.

A similar trend was observed in stress levels. The average stress score was 8.2, with a range between 3 and 11. Women who achieved successful outcomes reported lower stress levels at 7.4, compared to 8.7 among those who did not.

The findings indicate that higher psychological distress may be associated with lower chances of IVF success.

Fertility specialists say these observations align with clinical experience. Dr Richika Sahay Shukla, co-founder and medical director of India IVF Fertility, noted that many women undergoing IVF face significant emotional strain.

“In my practice, many women are not just physically but emotionally exhausted after years of uncertainty and repeated setbacks,” she said.

She explained that chronic stress can have physiological effects, including increased cortisol levels, which may disrupt hormonal balance, affect egg quality and influence treatment outcomes.

India is estimated to have around 2.8 crore people experiencing infertility, with approximately 3 to 3.5 lakh IVF cycles conducted annually.

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, affects about 9 per cent of reproductive-age couples. It is also considered a major life stressor, often leading to anxiety, depression and other psychological challenges.

Experts note that anxiety can affect reproductive function through hormonal and metabolic pathways, making it important to address mental health as part of fertility treatment.

Dr Shukla emphasised that emotional support plays a crucial role. Patients who are well-informed and reassured tend to cope better during treatment, even under similar medical protocols.

“IVF is not just a clinical process, it is an emotional journey, and patient care must reflect that,” she said.

However, some specialists caution against oversimplifying the relationship between stress and IVF outcomes. Dr Muskaan Chhabra, a fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, said that while stress levels often rise during treatment—especially during procedures such as egg retrieval—the link is not strictly cause-and-effect.

She added that patients should not be made to feel responsible for unsuccessful outcomes due to anxiety.

“At the same time, emotional wellbeing should be an integral part of treatment planning,” she said, highlighting the importance of counselling, structured psychological support and clear communication throughout the IVF process.

Experts underline that while managing stress may improve the overall treatment experience, IVF outcomes depend on multiple medical and biological factors, making a holistic approach essential.