Stress Management

Trying for a baby and dealing with day to day life generally can be an emotionally draining time. Increasing pressures can result in excessive amounts of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which can negatively impact upon the chances of conception. It can also bring stress and anxiety into the bedroom.


You might catch yourself having a more mechanical sexual experience than a passionate one. You will probably feel that your partner’s sexual interest is purely motivated by procreation, which leads to emotional anguish that can have a negative effect on conception.

Conversely, feelings of stress in men can reduce the level of male hormones – affecting libido and sperm production. The pressure to have sex at the 'right time' can also cause 'performance anxiety'. It is very common for men to suffer temporary problems with maintaining an erection or having difficulties ejaculating.

Your partner may experience ‘performance anxiety,’ where the pressures of pregnancy can lead to difficulty ejaculating, or difficulty getting or sustaining an erection. It’s not something to spend countless hours worrying over. Many couples go through the same process. It’s part and parcel of the bargain.

For tips and tricks on how to manage the stress that comes with trying for a baby, see our Stress Management guide.

Reducing Stress

Take the pressure off yourselves. Avoid thinking about having sex at ‘the right time’ and just let it happen. Think back to situations that used to get you in the mood for sex and try to recreate them. This could be something as simple as a surprise candlelit dinner at home. Or you could bring in an element of change, such as an overnight break or weekend away. This will help you relax and enjoy yourselves just before the trying for a baby process.

The great thing about the human body is that it is always trying to get the balance back so there is a lot you can do through stress reduction techniques to help manage your stress levels, such as: