Photo Credit: Steven Johnson
There are so many differing factors that can affect male and female fertility, that for those who are affected by infertility it may make you want to throw your hands up in the air and scream. I am well aware of these feelings as I’ve had to see them and have helped people work through the issues of failure to conceive. But conversely I’ve been there at a fertility clinic and been able to participate in the joy of those who’ve succeeded; those who’ve been able to great their little ones as they’ve made their appearance into this world.
So understanding the sensitivity of the subject, there is a study of obesity and anovulation (failure to ovulate) that needs to be talked about in relation to infertility. There was a study led by Dr. Van der Steeg whose a researcher at the Academic Medical Center in the Netherlands, demonstrates that even those who don’t experience anovulation or who normally ovulate can experience sub-fertility when their BMI enters the overweight or obese category. Which can cause even those who normally would have regular fertility to experience a decreased ability to conceive.
What was found in this study was that of every BMI unit over 29, the probability of conceiving was decreased by 4%, when contrasted to those with a BMI between 21 to 29. Females who were severely obese (or with a BMI around 35 – 40) had a 23% – 43% decreased probability of conceiving when contrasted to those below 29.
Now it is critical to report that the findings failed to prove that reducing ones weight/BMI will increase the probability of conception. But this is nonetheless assumed by the findings. At any rate beginning pregnancy at a more normal BMI is healthier and has the ability to decrease the threats of some complications, such as gestational diabetes.
Another critical note is that just because there’s been a relationship developed between weight and fertility does not mean that your doctor should automatically discount further testing to find a solution to your fertility issues. Or meaning this study does not claim to have all of the answers or to be the end all be all of reproductive medicine. But it’s findings are nonetheless important to consider when dealing with infertility.
As well PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or one of the most frequent causes of infertility has been correlated with those who have had issues with the ability to gain and subsequently lose weight. Or meaning the exact thing that’s causing your infertility problems may as well be the factor that’s causing your weight problems.
So what we have learned is that there is a correlation between a person’s weight/BMI and their probability to conceive. But again I will stress that although there is a correlation this does not completely preclude those who fall into this category. Or in other words do not allow a high BMI to completely discourage you in your attempts to conceive. There can be other reasons that a doctor will be able to diagnose and hopefully correct that are the root to your problems, do not allow this information to discourage you on your quest for a baby.
Author Bio:
Clay Hunter is an online marketing manager, currently working with Santa Monica Fertility helping to shed light on the issues that affect so many of those suffering from infertility.
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