Can Emotional Factors Cause Infertility in Men? The Mind-Body Connection

Infertility is a globally prevalent problem, with men and women both being affected in different ways. Emotional stress in men can take on different forms. Some of the leading factors are childhood trauma, workplace-related stress, sexual assault or marital discord. Such emotional upheaval, if left unaddressed over a prolonged period of time, can not only affect sperm count but also get transferred onto their spouse. Let's discuss male infertility due to emotional factors:

Emotional Factors, Male Infertility and Sperm Count

In the case of male infertility, which is the cause of more than half of all infertility cases worldwide, scientific research by the National Institute of Health, USA and Mayo Clinic, USA has consistently pointed towards emotional factors and psychological stress as contributors, amongst other reasons. Today, there is enough scientific evidence to suggest that psychological stress is associated with abnormal semen parameters and reduced paternity and that stress can interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm.

However, the severity and extent of the effects of stress or emotional factors on male infertility is difficult to study and calibrate. Even with this limitation, emotional trauma as a contributing factor in male infertility cannot be underplayed. Patients have to be aware of the effects of stress on fertility and testicular function.

How to Get Help

One of the more common ways to address the issue of emotional baggage is to seek professional help via counseling. Couples who are already undergoing fertility treatment could begin with quality therapy sessions with a counselor for both partners. Counseling mechanisms help heal emotional wounds that have left scars even at a young age. Most hospitals and clinics offer a holistic approach to treating infertility and your doctor can advise you on counselors and therapists who offer specialized counseling.