Key takeaways from Dr. Nicholas Shamma’s conversation on US Arab Radio: Watch and Read Below

At a glance:

  • Stress is common and real. Roughly 30–50% of people navigating infertility report significant stress; a meaningful subset meet criteria for clinical depression.
  • Biology basics. Severe stress can disrupt ovulation; the impact on semen quality is less clear. Everyday stress rarely blocks conception on its own.
  • Good news for IVF. Large studies suggest stress does not reduce IVF success rates.
  • Why fertility care feels hard. Uncertain outcomes, a multi-month timeline (often ~14½ weeks for a full IVF cycle), and financial pressure are major drivers of stress.
  • What helps most. Evidence-based tools—CBT, mindfulness, and acceptance & commitment strategies—plus lifestyle supports: regular moderate exercise, Mediterranean-style eating, sleep hygiene, and avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and other substances.
  • Community & relationships matter. Social pressure (well-meaning questions, comparisons) and “scheduled sex” can strain couples; supportive circles make a difference.
  • Faith and meaning can soothe. Spiritual practices may lower stress biomarkers and bolster hope and perseverance.
  • Screening & support are standard. Good clinics routinely screen for distress and collaborate with mental-health professionals; medications must be coordinated with your fertility team.

How stress interacts with reproduction

Stress hormones originate in the brain (think hypothalamus–pituitary signals). Severe stress can suppress ovulation—especially when paired with undernutrition or excessive exercise. In men, data linking stress to semen changes are mixed; many remain fertile under stress. Bottom line: biological pathways exist, but day-to-day stress is rarely the sole reason conception doesn’t happen.

Does stress sink IVF?

Short answer: No. Meta-analytic data indicate that stress does not materially reduce IVF success. That doesn’t mean stress isn’t present—it means being stressed isn’t, by itself, a reason your cycle won’t work. That finding gives patients permission to stop blaming themselves for feeling anxious.

Why the journey feels stressful anyway

  • Uncertainty: You can do everything “right” and still not get a guaranteed outcome.
  • Timeline: From workup to embryo transfer, many patients experience a ~14.5-week arc.
  • Finances: Insurance coverage is uneven; many shoulder significant out-of-pocket costs.
  • Relationship dynamics: Timed intercourse, procedural focus, and performance pressure can sap intimacy.
  • Social environment: Constant questions (“Are you pregnant yet?”) or comparisons with friends/family can sting.

What great clinics do

  • Routine screening: Simple tools (e.g., PHQ-9) and compassionate check-ins at visits.
  • Tiered support:
    • Self-guided & coaching: Skills training, handouts, group classes.
    • Mental-health referral: Licensed therapists who understand fertility care.
    • Psychiatric care (when needed): Careful, collaborative decisions on medications—e.g., avoid benzodiazepines in pregnancy; some SSRIs may be considered when benefits outweigh risks and are coordinated with your fertility doctor, with plans to taper late in pregnancy when appropriate.

Important: Never start, stop, or switch medication without speaking with your fertility and mental-health clinicians together.

Evidence-based tools that help right now

1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you reframe unhelpful thoughts (“I’m broken,” “It’s my fault”) to reduce the cascade into distress and avoid behaviors that amplify anxiety. It also includes problem-solving skills for common pain points (timeline, uncertainty, finances).

2) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness builds non-judgmental awareness of difficult thoughts and feelings, then pairs it with practices—guided imagery, diaphragmatic breathing, brief meditations, gentle movement, nature walks, and social connection—to reduce rumination and improve quality of life during treatment.

3) Acceptance & Commitment Strategies (ACT)

ACT emphasizes accepting uncertainty while taking values-aligned actions (nurturing your partnership, honoring health routines, showing up for work and friendships). You can feel sad or anxious and still move toward what matters.

Lifestyle supports that amplify all three

  • Move your body: Aim for moderate exercise most days (walks, light jogs, yoga). It’s linked to lower cortisol and better mood.
  • Eat Mediterranean-style: Vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, olive oil, nuts, and fish. It’s the most consistently fertility-friendly pattern discussed.
  • Prioritize sleep: Consistent schedule, dark/cool room, limit screens late, wind-down routine. Poor sleep magnifies anxiety.
  • Avoid substances: Alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other drugs can impair fertility and complicate IVF.

The role of community, culture, and faith

Fertility doesn’t happen in a bubble. Family expectations and cultural commentary can unintentionally heighten pressure. Setting gentle boundaries (“We’ll share updates when we have them”) protects your mental space.

For many, spiritual practice offers real relief—lowering stress markers, fostering meaning, and sustaining hope and perseverance across cycles. Whether prayer, scripture, or community worship, these practices can function like meditation while adding connection and purpose.

A practical, one-page plan

  1. Name your top two stressors (uncertainty, timeline, money, relationship strain, social pressure).
  2. Pick two skills to start this week: a 10-minute daily breath/meditation; one CBT thought reframe; one ACT values action.
  3. Lock in your basics: 3–4 moderate workouts; Mediterranean meals; 7–9 hours of sleep.
  4. Set gentle boundaries with family/friends about questions and updates.
  5. Ask your clinic about screening, support groups, and referrals.
  6. Coordinate meds (if applicable) with both your fertility specialist and mental-health clinician.

A note on seasonal health & preconception

Dr. Shamma also highlighted flu and COVID considerations during respiratory-virus season. Patients—especially those trying to conceive or who are pregnant—should discuss current vaccine recommendations with their clinicians and choose the option that best aligns with their medical history and risk profile. (Guidance changes; follow your physician’s advice.)

Final word

Stress is part of the fertility journey—but it doesn’t have to define it. With the right skills, supports, and care team, you can protect your mental health, nurture your relationships, and walk the path with more steadiness—whatever the outcome of a given cycle.

This article summarizes an interview with Dr. Nicholas Shamma on US Arab Radio. It is for educational purposes and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your own clinicians for recommendations tailored to you. If you’re ready to start your IVF journey, you can schedule a consultation here.