INFERTILITY affects one in six couples of reproductive age trying to conceive, but thinking positive could change all that.
Fertility expert Michael Chapman from IVF Australia at Kogarah believes positive thoughts can increase some women's chances of having a baby.
The power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical health and wellbeing is known as mind body medicine. It is the basis of the Mind Body Program for Fertility, developed 25 years ago by American fertility specialist, Ali Domar.
The program teaches women how to reduce anxiety and stress in order to calm the mind and heal the body.
Professor Chapman recommends it to his patients.
"There's no question that being in the right state of mind makes getting pregnant through IVF much easier," Professor Chapman said.
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to stress can impair reproductive function and disrupt menstrual cycle.
"When we are ready to start a family we expect it to happen immediately," Professor Chapman said.
Dr Domar was in Australia recently promoting a documentary about mind body medicine created by Australian journalist Shannon Harvey.
Professor Chapman was a guest speaker at the screening in Sydney, and took part in an audience Q and A about infertility.
Details: positivemindbody.com.au
