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Most people know that obesity is harmful to health and causes diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure. What is important to understand is that these conditions also impact fertility. Being overweight not only affects hormone levels but also the quality of eggs and sperm. This often decreases the likelihood of conception, whether naturally or through IVF. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Madhulika Sharma, a Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF in Meerut, talked about why addressing obesity is crucial for fertility and IVF success.

According to Dr. Madhulika Sharma, while weight is just one factor affecting fertility, it plays a significant role. Higher body weight can impact fertility in both men and women. Obesity can interfere with ovulation, leading to problems with egg quality and embryo development. In men, it can result in lower sperm count and quality, which decreases the chances of successful fertilisation. Additionally, obesity increases the risk of pregnancy complications once conception occurs. Therefore, it is crucial for couples to understand how obesity affects fertility and to make informed decisions regarding their health.

How Obesity Affects Female Fertility?

Frequent changes in body weight can significantly affect a woman's reproductive system. Higher body weight can disrupt ovulation by causing hormonal imbalances. This often results in women either ovulating excessively or not at all. Even when ovulation occurs regularly, the quality of the eggs may be compromised. Additionally, obesity can exacerbate the effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that already causes irregular periods and hormonal imbalances. These symptoms can worsen, making conception even more challenging when combined with obesity.

Obesity also impacts the success of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. It significantly reduces the chances of success, often leading to implant failure due to poor glucose metabolism. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can further complicate the situation. Moreover, obesity is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, and pregnancy may become more difficult to manage. Obese women are at increased risk of developing severe preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Another negative effect of obesity is that unborn children may not develop normally during pregnancy, which can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Additionally, there is a greater likelihood of requiring a caesarean section, which can result in longer recovery periods and potential surgical complications.

How Obesity Affects Male Fertility?

Although often overlooked, male fertility is just as important for conception as female fertility. While it is well-known that being overweight disrupts hormonal balance in women, it can also cause testosterone levels to drop and oestrogen levels to rise in men. This imbalance hinders sperm production and, in extreme cases, can lead to azoospermia (absence of sperm) or oligospermia (low sperm count).

Obesity has also been linked to testicular inflammation, which can damage sperm DNA. Additionally, poor sperm quality can increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Another issue related to obesity is the temperature of the testicles. Excess fat can raise the temperature of the scrotum, impairing sperm motility and overall function. Furthermore, the psychological stress experienced by many obese men may also adversely affect their reproductive health.

How Managing Weight Can Improve Fertility?

The good news is that it is possible to manage weight. Unlike some fertility issues that may require medical intervention, obesity is often manageable with the right approach. Research shows that even a small reduction in body weight can improve hormone balance, enhance the quality of sperm and eggs, and increase the likelihood of successful implantation.

For women, losing weight can help restore regular ovulation and improve responsiveness to fertility treatments. In men, weight loss can improve sperm quality and hormone balance. Additionally, managing weight before conception reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Finally, Dr. Madhulika Sharma, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, said, while weight is just one factor in the fertility process and varies for each individual, addressing obesity can be an important step toward better reproductive health for those who are struggling to conceive. Seeking medical advice, making gradual lifestyle changes, and obtaining the right support can significantly improve fertility outcomes and overall well-being.