Preconception stress increases the risk of infertility: results from a couple-based prospective cohort study--the LIFE study.

ABSTRACT:

Study question

Are women's stress levels prospectively associated with fecundity and infertility?

Summary answer

Higher levels of stress as measured by salivary alpha-amylase are associated with a longer time-to-pregnancy (TTP) and an increased risk of infertility.

What is known already

Data suggest that stress and reproduction are interrelated; however, the directionality of that association is unclear.

Study design, size, duration

In 2005-2009, we enrolled 501 couples in a prospective cohort study with preconception enrollment at two research sites (Michigan and Texas, USA). Couples were followed for up to 12 months as they tried to conceive and through pregnancy if it occurred. A total of 401 (80%) couples completed the study protocol and 373 (93%) had compl

SUBMITTER: Lynch CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3984126 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature