How just 5% weight loss can transform fertility in overweight women

Dr Zareena A Khalid

Times are changing. Women marrying as early as their 20s is no longer the norm. They are steadfast, work, earn, and achieve. Bearing children can stay on the back burner, but it’s crucial to understand the basic reproductive issues they may face. For women planning a pregnancy later in life, knowledge is power.

Preparing for Pregnancy in mid-30’s: What Check-Ups Are Essential?
A 34-year-old woman planning her first pregnancy should begin with a comprehensive health check-up. This includes assessing blood pressure, diabetes risk, and thyroid function. Crucially, reproductive health needs evaluation. This involves checking for regular menstrual cycles. If irregularities exist, hormone tests and ultrasounds can detect conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, and fibroids. Given her age, an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is advisable. It provides insight into her ovarian reserve, particularly if she plans to delay pregnancy further.

Common Reproductive Health Challenges Women Face Today
Infertility is a prominent reproductive health concern, defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying. With couples marrying later, often between 30 and 35, the timeline for seeking fertility advice has shortened to six months. Even couples marrying in their mid-20s frequently delay childbearing, which can be problematic in conditions like endometriosis. Recurrent miscarriages are another growing concern.

Lifestyle’s Impact on Fertility: The PCOS Example
Lifestyle significantly affects reproductive health, notably in PCOS. This condition is often linked to excess weight and inactivity. The modern lifestyle, with its reliance on processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary work habits, exacerbates this. The good news? Losing just 5% of body weight can regulate periods and improve fertility in women with PCOS.

Recognizing Early Signs of Reproductive Issues
The most apparent sign of a reproductive problem is the inability to conceive after a year of trying (or six months for older couples). Other indicators include irregular periods, symptoms of PCOS, and endometriosis. Male factor infertility, indicated by low or poor-quality sperm, should also be considered.

Reproductive Health Check-Ups: When Are They Necessary?|
Routine reproductive health check-ups aren’t typically needed. However, if conception doesn’t occur within a year (or six months for older couples), a thorough evaluation is essential.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Reproductive Health
A healthy diet plays a key role in maintaining reproductive health. Focus on reducing carbohydrates and fats, avoiding junk food, and incorporating plenty of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Exercise is equally important, and it’s safe to continue most forms of exercise even while trying to conceive.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women
Stress, partners living apart due to work, and obesity are major contributors to infertility. PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, obesity, stress, and declining ovarian reserve due to age also play significant roles. Rarer causes include uterine and ovarian tumors, and fallopian tube blockages. Male factor infertility, along with unhealthy food habits and lifestyles, further complicates the issue.

Natural Ways to Enhance Fertility
Improving fertility naturally involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stress reduction, and regular sexual intercourse. Pre-pregnancy intake of folic acid is also recommended.

Advances in Infertility Treatments: The Rise of IVF and Egg Freezing
Medical advancements, particularly in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), have transformed infertility treatment. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) addresses male factor infertility, even in cases of very low sperm counts. Egg and sperm preservation are now common. Egg freezing allows women to postpone pregnancy due to age or lack of a partner, and it’s also crucial for cancer patients undergoing treatments that may affect fertility. Similarly, sperm preservation is available for men facing cancer treatments. These advancements offer hope and flexibility for individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges.

Dr. Zareena A Khalid is Senior Consultant –
Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster Medcity-Kochi