Making the connection between weight and infertility

For couples and individuals trying to conceive, lifestyle choices can affect your ability to get pregnant. Many people don’t realize the relationship between weight and infertility. Our Tulsa fertility clinic experts want to educate our patients on common causes of infertility and how maintaining a healthy weight can improve your odds of success.

How weight and infertility are linked

With women, and even men, being overweight or underweight can negatively affect your fertility. Either extreme can lead to hormonal disruption, irregular or absent ovulation, and increased pregnancy complications. Obesity in men can affect testosterone production and normal sperm function.

One easy step to determine if you are at a healthy weight is calculating your BMI, or body mass index. For women, a BMI of 19 and 24 falls in the normal range. If you have a BMI of less than 19, you are categorized as underweight, and any woman with a BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight.

Tips for managing your weight

While many causes of infertility can’t be easily corrected, managing weight and infertility is generally in your control. Before making any drastic changes, talk with one of our Tulsa fertility clinic experts about the best steps forward.

If you are trying to conceive and have an issue with weight and infertility, consider the following tips for achieving a healthy weight.

• Eat a balanced diet. Evaluate what you consume, and ensure that your daily diet includes adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly. Add in 30 to 40 minutes of mild to moderate movement several times a week, which will help you feel better and can assist in weight loss.
• Start small. Little adjustments to your lifestyle can produce steady results. Begin the process by cutting down on processed snacks and/or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Monitor your progress. As you incorporate these changes into your life, track your weight, BMI and body fat percentage to see if you are headed in the right direction. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian if you need assistance.

Learn more about the causes of infertility

Dealing with infertility can be a struggle, so getting accurate information and diagnosis is key. At our Tulsa fertility clinic, we can provide the medical expertise and compassionate care that you deserve. For more information on weight and infertility, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.