logo
logo
Sign in

Obesity and Infertility

avatar
Dr Deepa Gupta
Obesity and Infertility

Obesity is a significant public health concern and a growing problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a health risk. It is estimated that approximately 39% of adults worldwide are overweight, and 13% are obese. Obesity is associated with many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.


In addition to these health issues, obesity can lead to infertility in both men and women.


Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sex. It affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide. In many cases, infertility is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Obesity is one of the lifestyle factors that can significantly impact fertility.


Obesity can affect fertility in several ways. First, obesity can cause hormonal imbalances that disrupt the menstrual cycle in women. This disruption can lead to irregular periods or the absence of menstruation, making it difficult to predict ovulation and conception. Additionally, obesity can lead to increased insulin and testosterone levels, leading to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women, affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of androgens, and multiple cysts on the ovaries.


In men, obesity can also affect fertility. Obese men are likelier to have low testosterone levels, which can lead to reduced sperm production and lower sperm count. Additionally, obesity can lead to erectile dysfunction, making it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.


In addition to hormonal imbalances and other physical issues, obesity can also impact fertility through psychological factors. Many people who are obese may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues can contribute to a lack of interest in sexual activity, decreasing the chances of conception.


Obesity can also impact fertility treatments. Women who are obese may have a lower response to fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is because obesity can lead to a decreased response to fertility drugs, making it more difficult to stimulate the ovaries and produce mature eggs. Additionally, obese women may have a higher risk of complications during fertility treatments, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and miscarriage.


In men, obesity can also impact fertility treatments. Obese men may have lower success rates with sperm retrieval techniques, such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Additionally, obesity can lead to a decreased response to medications that stimulate sperm production, making it more challenging to obtain viable sperm for fertility treatments.


The good news is that losing weight can significantly improve fertility in both men and women. Weight loss can lead to hormonal balance, enhancing menstrual regularity in women and increasing testosterone levels in men. Additionally, weight loss can improve erectile function in men and increase the chances of conception in both men and women.


Weight loss can also improve the success rates of fertility treatments.


Women who lose weight before undergoing IVF have been shown to have higher success rates than women who are obese. Additionally, men who lose weight before undergoing TESE have been shown to have higher sperm retrieval rates.


Sounds interesting? Give us a call at 0731 4289999 for more.


collect
0
avatar
Dr Deepa Gupta
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more