Long working hours, high stress, and lifestyle imbalances are affecting couples' relationships, leading to declining intimacy emotional strain, and problems with conceiving and fulfilling the dream of parenthood
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Due to increasing work demands, erratic shift schedules, and elevated stress levels, many couples are currently facing challenges in maintaining a healthy intimate relationship and conceiving. Experts report a steady rise in couples seeking help due to intimacy-related concerns stemming from their busy professional lives. Seeking help through ARTs can help couples to conceive.
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The current work culture often disrupts these natural rhythms, leaving both males and females physically exhausted and emotionally drained.
“Long working hours, high stress, and lifestyle imbalances will take a toll on the overall well-being of couples making it challenging for them to engage in meaningful interactions, including intimacy. The quality will not be able to spend quality time together. When physical and emotional closeness is compromised, it can lead to misunderstandings, stress, and even relationship dissatisfaction and the couples will not be able to conceive. Untimely intercourse, lack of quality time, and reduced emotional bonding due to irregular work shifts are becoming increasingly common concerns among couples. Stress hormones like cortisol can impact libido, making it harder for partners to connect intimately. 6 out of 10 couples aged 27-35 complain of lack of intimacy and lower libido due to stress, and hectic lifestyles and are advised to try ARTs such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), In my practice I see 4 – 5 couples a week coming with these issues,” revealed Dr Padma Srivastava, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar in Pune.
Dr Nisha Pansare, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Kharadi, in Pune, says, "Couples facing irregular shift timings, long working hours, and high stress often struggle with maintaining intimacy and emotional connection in the relationship. The lack of quality time together can lead to misunderstandings, emotional detachment, and conflicts and will strain the relationship further. Hence, many couples can feel anxious, irritable, burned out, frustrated, loneliness and this can weaken the foundation of their relationship. Many partners feel neglected or disconnected, which can impact trust and emotional security and this again impacts the intimacy. Being constantly stressed increases cortisol, which can interfere with reproductive hormones, affecting ovulation in women and sperm quality in men. Sleep can also impact fertility and lead to challenges in pregnancy, 7 out of 10 couples face intimacy issues due to inability to maintain work-life balance."
Dr Padma added, “Addressing these challenges requires conscious efforts, including setting aside quality time, managing stress effectively, and seeking help if needed. There is a need to strike better work-life balance, open communication in relationships, and proactive health management to maintain emotional and physical well-being in relationships.”
Dr Nisha added, “To improve conception chances, couples should focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Ensuring adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, and engaging in any physical activity can enhance reproductive health. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling can also support hormonal balance. Seeking advice early can help identify and address any underlying fertility concerns. In vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be advised by a fertility consultant for couples who wish to achieve pregnancy.”
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