Are increased levels of self-reported psychosocial stress, anxiety, and depression associated with fecundity?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between self-reported measures of stress, anxiety, depression, and related constructs and fecundity.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study of women trying to conceive.


METHODS
United Kingdom.


METHODS
Three hundred thirty-nine women aged 18-40 years who were attempting to conceive.


METHODS
Completed daily diaries for up to six cycles or until pregnancy was detected. For each cycle, stress biomarkers were measured and psychosocial questionnaires were completed.


METHODS
Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using discrete time survival methods, and the day-specific probabilities of pregnancy were calculated using Bayesian statistical techniques.


RESULTS
Among the 339 women, 207 (61%) became pregnant during the study, 69 (20%) did not become pregnant, and 63 (19%) withdrew. After controlling for maternal age, parity, months trying to conceive before enrollment, smoking, caffeine use, and frequency of intercourse, we found no association between most psychosocial measures and FORs or the day-specific probabilities of pregnancy save for an increased FOR for women reporting higher versus lower levels of social support.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported psychosocial stress, anxiety, and depression were not associated with fecundity. Any adverse effect of stress or psychological disturbance on fecundity does not appear to be detectable via the questionnaires administered.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. Courtney.Lynch@osumc.edu
Courtney D
CD
Lynch
Rajeshwari
R
Sundaram
Germaine M
GM
Buck Louis
Kirsten J
KJ
Lum
Cecilia
C
Pyper
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D057566:Self Report; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult