P-48: Infertility and Stress

Background: Infertility is one of the major problems in life which affects about 20% of couples in developed countries and a large population in the developing countries including Iran. Since not much has been discussed, published or talked about in the literature and infertilityconferences in Iran, we have decided to conduct a review of literature and provide a summary of what is known in the world regarding this subject. Materials and Methods: We have conducted a thorough literature search using PubMed and other major search engines in the medical databases and collected the data and research results regarding infertility and stress. Results: Infertility is often influenced by psychological factors and the two most commonly investigated psychological problems in infertility are anxiety and depression. In most studies, it is suggested that psychological distress is associated with infertility and infertility treatment. In some recent studies, it has been concluded that stress may be a causal factor that leads to infertility. Preexisting anxiety and/or depression have been reported in the literature to be negatively associated with successful conception. The reciprocal relationship exists between stress and infertility. Conclusion: We suggest that psychological treatments should be considered for infertile couples before infertility treatment is initiated in order to increase the possibility of spontaneous conception in women.