Can stress affect fertility?  Maybe.  Can infertility cause stress?  Definitely.
While the "just relax" suggestions from your family and friends may be more frustrating than helpful, learning ways to reduce stress can make the struggles of infertility more manageable.  Try the following techniques, but keep in mind that relaxation is a personal process.  You will learn what works best for you!

Deep breathing
Deep breathing is the most basic relaxation technique and can be used to control stress in almost any situation. Breathe from your diaphragm in through your nose and out through pursed lips in deep, slow, even breaths. Focus your attention on the sound of your breath and the soothing nature of rhythmic, unhurried inhalation and exhalation.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This technique involves the progressive tensing and relaxing of muscle sets. It can be performed on the left and right sides of your body at the same time, or consecutively. Begin with your hand and make a fist. Squeeze the fist as tight as possible for 10-15 seconds. Release the muscles completely, noticing the difference between the tensed and relaxed states. Tense and relax the other muscle groups in your body. Start with the forearms, move to the biceps and triceps, shoulders (pull forward and back, up and down), abdomen, back, buttocks, front and back of the thighs, the calves, and finish with the feet and toes. Progressive muscle relaxation teaches you to identify tense muscles and progress to a relaxed state.

Visualization
Visualization uses your imagination and can be done alone, anytime, anywhere. Close your eyes and picture a special place, person or memory. Call on your senses to savor the details.

Meditation
There are many forms of meditation, a practice with origins in the Far East. Its essence is the elimination of all thoughts from the mind. One technique is to repeat a "mantra," a specific word or words, throughout the meditation session. A second is to close your eyes, picture a flowing river and each time a thought enters your mind, toss it into that river and let it flow away. You may find it helpful to get some instruction and guidance in how to meditate. Performed properly and regularly, it is known to be relaxing and revitalizing.

Affirmations
Affirmations are strong positive statements said out loud or silently to restore confidence, change negative beliefs and reduce anxiety. The following affirmations are examples for couples experiencing infertility, but you may want to create your own. You know what sounds and feels right to you.

"We love each other, and we'll get through this together."

"I will not let infertility take over my life. I will take control of other areas of my life and feel proud of my achievements."

"It is not our fault that we are having trouble getting pregnant. We are doing the best we can."

Source: Gyncor, Inc.