The Link Between Obesity and Infertility: A Detailed Assessment
By Dr Shreya Iyengar Patel, an Infertility Specialist at Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital
Couples grappling with infertility issues face a weightier problem—pun intended. Obesity is a significant obstacle when it comes to a couple’s chances of conceiving a child, which is why it is necessary to understand it deeply.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reports that obesity is a contributing factor to infertility among about 6% of women who have not been able to conceive. This relationship between obesity and infertility is complex because it involves hormonal disorders in males and females.
Effects of Obesity on Women's Sexual Health
Women who are obese tend to exhibit hormonal changes that affect how their body manages and stores sex hormones. Fat cells can convert the male hormone known as androstenedione into a female hormone called estrone. Once the levels of estrone increase, the brain stops menopause, deregulating the ovarian functions and resulting in irregular menstruation and lowered chances of conception.
Effects on Men's Fertility
Obesity inflicts negative impacts on male fertility, too. Several factors lead to overweight men’s insubstantial sperm levels or scarceness of them altogether.
- Sustained high temperatures on the body, more so near the scrotum, are not suitable for sperm generation.
- Hormonal changes within obese males can lead to high estrogen levels while inhibin B and androgen, two sperm-producing hormones, are reduced. These biological factors result in poor sperm count, lower concentration, and motility, making fertilization more challenging.
The Interconnected Cycle of Obesity and Infertility
Infertility and obesity tend to form a self–perpetuating cycle. Stress, particularly associated with chronic attempts to conceive, can result in increased irregularity of menstrual cycles, weight gain, and overeating. Resorting to emotional eating, especially the consumption of fast food, can exacerbate obesity and reduce fertility further.
In addition to this, obesity and infertility are often worsened by high rates of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Cystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disturbance that leads to the formation of cysts in the ovaries and is common in obese women. Research shows that 50-60% of women suffering from PCOS are also obese, which only worsens the symptoms and adds more barriers to motherhood.
Looking Ahead: Finding Assistance
It is also beneficial to contact a fertility specialist if you are having difficulty getting pregnant and think that obesity is part of the problem. Engaging in controlled caloric intake accompanied by physical activity can help restore the hormonal balance, consequently increasing the chances of conceiving. At Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, we let you design personalized treatment plans because we understand that everyone is different.
For patients from Rajkot, the city of Ahmedabad is well-equipped with specialist doctors and fertility clinics. If you are situated in Rajkot and require advanced management of infertility, you may consult with Balaji Horizon Woman’s Hospital in Ahmedabad. They will expertly guide you throughout your fertility journey.
Final Statement
Chances of conception increase with the treatment of obesity, which has proven to be a major contributor to infertility for both sexes. Most people with idiopathic infertility and associated conditions such as PCOS know they have to lose weight and control their hormones to become parents, but it is not that simple.
If you require additional assistance or want to book an appointment, contact us at Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital. Whether you are in Ahmedabad or from Rajkot, we promise to assist you as best as possible in experiencing parenthood.
