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Fertility Glossary

Stress and fertility

What is known about stress, and what is unhelpful to say.

Wellbeing

Severe, sustained stress can disrupt ovulation, but there is no good evidence that ordinary stress causes infertility — and being told to 'just relax' is both inaccurate and hurtful. Infertility itself causes significant distress, so support is worth accessing for its own sake rather than as a treatment.

Also known as: just relax, stress causing infertility

Sources

  • Healthdirect Australia (healthdirect.gov.au)
  • Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)

Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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