Dieting for Fertility

Obesity has many negative health consequences, some of which are well-known and documented. Recent studies have shown that another potential consequence of obesity is difficulty in conceiving a baby. Fertility troubles are a growing problem in this country and around the world, and one reason being hailed as a very viable culprit is obesity.

While most people immediately look to the female in the relationship for this particular problem, the facts indicate that male obesity can also lead to a low sperm count, which can hamper fertility efforts and progress.

Our bodies were designed for specific purposes, and it is utterly amazing how well each part of the human body works to support the others. There are very few machines that can compete with the genius of the design of the human body. After thousands of years of studying the human body, there are still many mysteries hidden within. However, the truth is that we put things into our bodies and abuse our bodies in ways that they were simply not designed to handle, yet we still manage to adapt and survive many of these things.

It's amazing to think about how the human body endures the many things it does without permanent and irrevocable damage. The good news for those attempting to conceive is that the human body also has the remarkable ability to heal itself. This means that those who find their efforts to conceive have been hampered by obesity have also seen positive changes by losing as little as five to ten percent of their ability to conceive.

If both partners are overweight, it might be a good idea to work together to shed those unwanted pounds and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle. Being active when trying to conceive and throughout the pregnancy is a good idea for the female in the relationship, as this can help in the process of labor and delivery.

If you have been trying to conceive without success for more than a year, it is probably in your best interest to seek the services of a fertility specialist to rule out other possible considerations. Though adopting a healthier lifestyle is rarely a bad idea, you should also consult your doctor before beginning a strict diet or weight loss regimen to make sure there aren't other factors causing your weight issues. This is particularly true if you have gained a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time.

In addition to difficulty conceiving, obesity can also lead to a greater risk of miscarriage once conception has occurred. Obesity also leads to a greater risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes during pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and, in some cases, stillbirth and birth defects. It is no small hindrance to a healthy pregnancy and should be carefully considered before attempting to conceive.

Another consideration when it comes to obesity and fertility is that being overweight can also hamper the effects of fertility treatments. This means that the process is typically lengthier and will cost significantly more over time than if obesity were not a factor. When coupled with the risks to the baby, this is something that should not be taken lightly when making plans for fertility treatments.

If your BMI is greater than 30, there are many fertility clinics that simply will not offer their services. Some limit it to greater than 35, and others to 40. If you feel that fertility treatments are the only course of action available to you and your BMI is greater than 30, the first suggestion you are likely to hear is to make serious weight loss efforts and lifestyle changes before proceeding. You may find that once you begin to shed the pounds, fertility intervention is no longer necessary.