We know that infertility can take a toll on our mental health and lead to depression. But it turns out that the opposite is also true — depression can prevent a woman from conceiving a child.
American clinical psychologist Yael Nillni and her colleagues conducted a study1to find out how the manifestations of depression and the effects of drugs that treat it affect the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
The study involved 2100 women aged 21 to 45 who were planning a pregnancy. Participants in the study, among other things, had to indicate whether they suffer from depression and what psychotropic drugs they take.
22% of the participants answered that they had been diagnosed with depression;
17% had previously taken psychotropic drugs;
10% took them during the study.
It turned out that severe depression reduced the chance of successful conception by 38%.
Severe depression reduces the chance of successful conception by 38%
In the same study, scientists came to another interesting conclusion. Of all the psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers) that fight depression, antidepressants of the SSRI class (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the most common type of antidepressant today) have the least effect on the ability to get pregnant.
Previous studies have shown that all psychotropic medications can adversely affect fertility.
The results of a study by Yael Nillni showed that in women who had taken antidepressants of the SSRI class, the chances of successfully getting pregnant were higher, no matter how severe the symptoms of depression they were experiencing at the time of the study.
Scientists suggest that such treatment may have a long-term positive effect, which also affects fertility (the ability to conceive).
But drugs of another class — benzodiazepines (tranquilizers that are prescribed to combat anxiety and panic attacks) have been found to reduce the likelihood of conception.
How can depression interfere with conception? This is not known for sure, however, it is possible that such disorders can disrupt the mechanisms of hormonal regulation in the body.
Despite these results, it is worth remembering that the use of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs during pregnancy is not always safe, and in some cases may be contraindicated. These questions should be discussed with your doctor.
1 Nillni Y.I. et al. «Depression, anxiety, and psychotropic medication use and fecundability», American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, April 2016.