yoga helps to treat infertility

A systematic review published in January 2020 analyzed a dozen studies of mind–body interventions in infertility. The outcomes are compelling: yoga and mindfulness practices reduce anxiety and depression in women during infertility treatment.

There is also an indication that mind–body interventions increase pregnancy rates, though not many studies followed the participants for a sufficiently long time to make reliable conclusions about pregnancy outcomes.

Grief, depression, and anxiety

Most women included in the reviewed studies had signs of mild anxiety and depression. It is not surprising — women undergoing infertility treatments have possibly lived through years of despair, guilt, and grief. 

Infertility problems and pregnancy losses are prevalent: one in ten pregnancies results in miscarriage. Yet, we do not talk about it openly, and women often receive little support during the time of treatment. 

Western protocols offer technical solutions to infertility but do not give us the tools to cope with difficult emotions. Holistic treatments and mind–body practices can fill this gap. I had a first-trimester miscarriage myself and felt incredibly sad and lonely, especially since I had to decide if I wanted to terminate the pregnancy when the heartbeat was no longer detectable. Yoga helped me to find compassion towards my body, rather than feeling angry with its failure. Yoga also helped me to navigate through waves of anxiety during the following pregnancy.

Is there “yoga for hormones”?

Research data now confirms what many other women and myself have discovered before: mind–body practices can support us on the path to motherhood. We do not know if it is particular yoga asanas that are helping, or perhaps it is simply the general de-stress quality of yoga. 

If we want to build a balanced practice, it's better to let go of the idea that one asana targets one specific hormone problem. 

Physical exercises affect many hormones and body parameters, such as heart output, blood biochemistry, and nutrient supply to organs. Slow breathing and focused attention reduce physiological stress reactions. As a combination of meditation and physical exercise, yoga could be an efficient protective strategy against hormonal imbalances. A shift in the physiological state towards calm and resilience makes miracles happen.