Obesity-Related Infertility

Women's Mechanisms

Obesity interferes with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis via leptin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia, resulting in anovulation, particularly in PCOS. Too much fat turns androgens into oestrogens, which lowers FSH levels and lowers the quality of oocytes. Overweight women need larger dosages of gonadotropin to get their ovaries to work, which leads to fewer oocytes and worse live birth rates from IVF.

Effects on Men

In men, abdominal fat raises oestrogen levels through aromatase, which lowers testosterone levels and causes hypogonadism. This condition lowers the number of sperm, makes them less mobile, and breaks up DNA more often. Obesity is linked to erectile dysfunction and poorer fertilisation rates at ICSI.

Risks that go along with

Obese couples are also more likely to have miscarriages, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and macrosomia. IVF cycles had lower odds of implantation and continued pregnancy, especially in women under 35.

Ways to Treat

Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can help you ovulate again and enhance your metabolic profile. In PCOS, lifestyle changes like cutting back on calories and getting more exercise work better than just taking metformin. Liraglutide and other GLP-1 agonists improve ovulation and the chances of getting pregnant before IVF. Bariatric surgery provides enduring advantages for severe obesity.
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