Weight can have a negative effect on many aspects of your health, but did you know that it can affect your fertility as well? Excess weight has been shown to decrease your chances of conception, most commonly by causing a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS. PCOS causes your body’s hormone levels to become imbalanced, which can lead to ovarian cysts, problems with ovulation, and an irregular menstrual cycle.
So if you are overweight, does that mean you are doomed to having trouble with your fertility? Not at all. Even losing a little bit of weight can reverse the problem. According to a study reported by BBC News in 2009, even a 5% loss in weight increase a woman’s ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. So for a woman weighing 200 lb, that’s just a 10 lb weight loss. The report said that the weight loss resulted in an increase of blood flow to the uterus, which “can help trigger the egg release from the ovaries and may help an embryo implant in the womb.”
Losing weight can help with a healthy pregnancy, as well. Women carrying excess weight during pregnancy face an increased risk of preeclampsia and miscarriage. The underlying message is that if you are ready to start a family, paying attention to your own health is a smart move. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and if you are carrying extra weight shoot for a 5-10% weight loss. For more tips on fertility, check out EmbryoAdoption.org.
Recent Comments