Last year 30,000 couples in the UK sought help from the medical profession regarding infertility issues, for some women the cause is biological/medical, requiring professional medical treatment, for the remainder the problem is often psychological, with the barrier to conception being found to be primarily stress-related, psychological infertility.

Stress and the role it plays in conception, is the subject of considerable ongoing medical research; existing data shows that the body responds to stress by triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenalin (HPA) system. This in turn releases a number of neuro transmitters, including the primary stress hormone, Cortisol, which is known to affect the delicate balance needed for ovulation, fertilisation and implantation of the fertile egg in the womb.

The use of CBT to overcome various stress related disorders is widely accepted and for the majority it has become the treatment of choice. Whilst waiting times for CBT treatment on the NHS are still prohibitive in many regions, they are slowly improving as more and more therapists are being trained. Private treatment is often available and offered by organisations such as the Priory Clinics and BUPA.

Now medical research has confirmed the expected positive results achieved when CBT is incorporated in the treatment of infertility. At a small British complimentary health clinic in Southern Spain they have taken the treatment a step further by the careful combining of CBT with Hypnotherapy, which is of course a highly effective mind-body technique, increasingly being accepted by the medical profession.

They initially use a very detailed set of diagnostic questionnaires, cleverly constructed to quickly direct the therapist towards any areas of stress, whether conscious or sub-conscious or unresolved life issues that may exist, this information is incorporated into the CBT. Later they incorporate a form of Hypnosis that promotes very deep and natural levels of relaxation, and very focused visualisation techniques are introduced that completely eliminate any remaining stress or anxiety.

Often women who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive will be adamant when interviewed that they are not aware of any stress in their lives, which is often the case on a conscious level, but the treatment identifies the many subconscious blocks that can often interfere with conception. In a relaxed, therapeutic environment, the therapist and the individual work together to introduce permanent long-term levels of positive attitudes and feelings.

At the clinic they have spent three years perfecting their methodology; their viewpoint on stress and conception is in line with many other organisations, in that women trying to conceive consciously do everything in their power to keep their bodies in peak condition, taking notice of diet, rest, exercise etc., yet subconsciously they allow unhelpful and negative habits and thoughts to sabotage their efforts. Add to this the anxiety usually experienced by women trying to get pregnant, and the all too familiar negative loop takes hold. Going through infertility treatment, and experiencing the invasive nature of the procedure can be extremely stressful, and when this anxiety is added to the negative effect caused by the situation on the couple's relationship, then stress levels often go through the roof, which dramatically reduces the chances of conception. Stress, of course, can also affect the quality and mobility of a man's sperm.

The therapy method used at the clinic is, in comparison to alternatives, inexpensive, non-invasive and, many confirm, a surprisingly pleasant experience, clients are predominately British couples who fly over for a few days specifically for treatment. Additionally of course they have the chance to spend a few quality days together on the Mediterranean coast, enjoying the sunshine, in a relaxed environment, which can only compliment the therapy and help achieve the perfect recipe for success.