This article discusses the relationship between stress and reproduction considering that infertility could bear psychological causes (psychogenesis hypothesis) or could be caused by psychological stress. Stress has the potential of activating the hypothalamus-hypophisis-adrenal axis inhibiting the hypothalamus-hypophisis-ovarian axis leading to temporary menstruation paralysis. This process could result in a transitory infertility of women. The authors emphasize the need of a psychological approach in reproduction services with the objective of treating tensions and frustrations derived from infertility and its treatment.
Reproduction; Stress; Infertility; female; Psychology
