Infertility & Healthy Weight Management
For both men and women, there are many medical reasons that explain infertility. These reasons can be genetic or a result of physical trauma or illness later on in life. For some causes of infertility, there are treatments to correct or manage the problem, and individuals can go on to successfully reproduce. In other cases, infertility may be unexplained and therefore harder to treat.
Weight and Infertility
Weight can affect many aspects of the body and its normal functionality, and infertility is no exception. While body weight cannot account for all causes of infertility, it can be connected to some, especially in the case of extreme weight change and persistent unhealthy weight.
Being overweight
Being overweight or obese can reduce the chance of getting pregnant and increase the risk for mother and child during and after pregnancy. Women who are overweight or obese have less chance of getting pregnant overall and are more likely to take longer to get pregnant compared to women at a healthy weight. Obesity is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal condition related to infertility.
Being overweight can also cause complications with pregnancy and birth. Pregnant women who are overweight may have a higher risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. They can develop hypertension. pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes, and infection, and have issues related to blood clotting. Women who are overweight may need to be induced or have a Caesarean (C-section) birth. Babies born to overweight mothers may be large for their age, may require neonatal intensive care after birth, and may go on to have health problems throughout their lives.
Being underweight
Being underweight can also reduce a woman’s fertility. It can affect ovulation by creating hormone imbalances. Compared to women at a healthy weight, women who are underweight can take significantly longer to become pregnant. Extreme weight loss can also disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle and therefore reduce her ability to conceive a child.
Being Healthy
Women who are trying to become pregnant are advised to strive for their natural, healthy weight in order to reduce challenges with conception, successful pregnancy, and birth. Women should exercise regularly, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and consult a medical professional for problems with infertility or other health issues.
ReUnite Rx is proud to assist couples and individuals undergoing fertility treatments with our need-based assistance program. Active or veteran military members automatically receive a 25% discount with our assistance program. To learn more, visit ReUnite Rx.
