Has ever a doctor mentioned weight in a fertility appointment, and that one remark lingered in your mind long after they had left you? Unfortunately, for many females, that moment is uncomfortable. It’s easy to think that the doctor is making a complex and personal problem into a numerical problem.
The reality is much simpler, however, excess body fat alters the action of hormones in the body. Those hormones regulate ovulation, egg quality and fertility.
Nearly 6-12% of women with a desire to conceive are obese, and studies show that obesity contributes to the problem of infertility, but it is not something that is often brought up in a consultation.
When seeking out fertility treatment in Ahmedabad, women must see the full picture – and body weight plays a significant role in that image.
How obesity impacts hormones and ovulation
Body fat isn’t just fat, it’s fat that makes oestrogen. In women who are overweight, oestrogen levels increase above normal. This disrupts the communication between the brain and the ovary and makes ovulation hard.
This can lead to:
- Changes in periods (amenorrhea) — a direct indication of lack of ovulation
- Higher insulin levels — which interfere with ovulation and increase the risk of PCOS
- Increased androgen levels, which may lead to symptoms such as facial hair, acne, and irregular periods
- Imbalanced reproductive hormones — making natural conception more difficult
Over time, a BMI just higher than the healthy range can impact the regularity of one’s cycle and the quality of their eggs.
When Obesity and PCOS collide
One of the biggest causes for women to struggle with ovulating is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and obesity only exacerbates this situation. Insulin resistance makes periods more irregular and less frequent, and it’s linked to having more of the symptoms of PCOS. Insulin resistance directly makes periods more irregular and less frequent, and is associated with more symptoms of PCOS.
The upside of this is that it works both ways. For many women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, losing 5-10% of their body weight will restore regular ovulation, before they require to go through any formal fertility treatment in Ahmedabad. For women with PCOS, many experts believe that the initial, and most crucial, step in treating the condition is to manage weight.
The following are some fertility foods for women with PCOS and obesity that can help to balance hormones:
- Carbohydrates with lower sugar content such as oats, lentils and brown rice
- Walnuts, flaxseeds, fish
- Fruit and vegetables rich in fibre – which help to stabilise blood sugar levels
- Use lean protein sources such as dal, eggs and paneer
These fertility foods for women are not a treatment on their own, but help the body respond optimally to the treatment and are an easy place to start along with any treatment plan for ovulation treatment.
The impact of obesity on IVF and fertility treatment
Obesity and its impact on IVF and fertility treatment.
In IVF and other assisted fertility treatment in Ahmedabad, greater body weight may have an impact on treatment success rate:
- Egg retrieval may be more challenging and riskier
- There is a need for increased amounts of medication and fewer high-quality eggs will be retrieved during egg freezing
- In women with BMI >30, the success rate of embryo transfersuccess rate is reduced, due to the different response of the uterine lining
- Fertility drugs may not be as effective and may need to be administered in greater quantities
This isn’t because IVF doesn’t work! In Ahmedabad, women can achieve a successful pregnancy with the help of fertility treatment despite obesity. It does mean that the treatment plan must be adjusted, however, and experienced ivf doctors in gujarat know this and can make all the difference.
What can really help
Weight maintenance prior to and during fertility treatment in Ahmedabad is not about having a particular look, it is about providing the body an opportunity to respond to treatment. Minor changes beat drastic changes, hands down.
Steps that are clinically useful:
- Eat a diet that helps to balance hormones — limit processed sugars, increase fibre and protein
- Get moving — 30 minutes of walking five days a week makes a difference in insulin sensitivity
- Have blood tests for thyroid problems — low thyroid function is more prevalent in obese women, and is a separate risk factor for infertility
- Consult an expert: A dietitian or endocrinologist can develop a diet plan that complements, rather than impairs, fertility treatment
The best gynecology in Ahmedabad does not look at obesity as a qualifier – obesity is a part of the plan; with the support and structure to make real progress.
A note on egg freezing
Egg freezing is a good option for younger women who may be thinking about starting a family, but aren’t yet ready to conceive, but suspect that their weight is impacting their egg quality. Eggs that are frozen earlier when they are not in such poor condition will give the woman more choices in the future and less pressure of “time is running out.”
However, the outcomes of egg freezing can differ in accordance to weight and age, and honest counselling on what you may anticipate for the retrieval is a crucial portion of that discussion. A good specialist will always present a realistic and comprehensive picture before starting any procedure.
Conclusion
Obesity and fertility do go hand in hand, but it is not an end in itself. These are all a fact of life with PCOS, irregular ovulation and a lower embryo transfer success rate, but can be overcome with the right guidance and plan in place.
If weight is a concern, don’t wait to seek assistance — seek the right kind of assistance sooner. For women who are prepared to make that first step, fertility treatment in Ahmedabad at Banker IVF involves working with a team of fertility experts, who look at each woman as a person and don’t judge her based on her weight, but are capable of making a difference. All women are unique, and all of the plans here are tailored to that.
It may be a contributing factor, but this is not always the only one. Obesity is a factor in ovulation and hormones; however, age, health of partner, tube blockage and other factors are also important. All of the above is examined in a comprehensive fertility evaluation. The correct solution is based upon a comprehensive evaluation, rather than a single assumption.
Yes. Higher doses may be required for women who weigh more than average because their bodies react differently to medications. This is true for all drugs that stimulate ovulation, including those for IVF and IUI (intra-uterine insemination) cycles. Does not mean that the medicine is not going to help — it just means it must be calibrated very carefully by a specialist to get the most response from the medicine and not to over or under stimulate the ovaries.
This depends on the age, length of couple’s infertility and the diagnosis. The results of weight management can be better for younger women if they can manage their weight for a few months. In some cases, it may not be recommended to wait, such as for women over 35 years or for women with a complex diagnosis. When a specialist is consulted early, there can be a coordinated approach to weight management and treatment, rather than a one or the other approach.
Ready to start? Banker IVF & Fertility Centre, home to trusted ivf doctors in ahmedabad and known for the bestadvanced fertility care, brings 65+ years of experience to every couple’s care.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified fertility specialist before making any decisions related to your reproductive health or treatment plan.
