New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- Intimacy issues refer to emotional or physical disconnects between partners that prevent them from forming a close bond. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sneha Sathe, Clinical Director and Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Mumbai, revealed that these issues can stem from a variety of factors, including:

1. Increased stress and anxiety - Struggles with intimacy can be emotionally overwhelming, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. This, in turn, can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones such as cortisol, prolactin and gonadotropins, making conception more challenging.

2. Unhealthy coping mechanisms- Couples struggling with intimacy may turn to unhealthy habits as a way of dealing with stress. Sm...