Weight and Infertility

Did you know that if you weigh too much or too little you are more likely to have problems getting pregnant?

Trying to conceive? Check your BMI

The easiest way to determine whether or not you're within an ideal weight range is to check your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. If you'd don't know yours, take the Free Fertility Check to see which range you are in:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

The impact of obesity on fertility

While not all overweight women are infertile, being overweight or obese does hinder your ability to get pregnant. Obesity does not cause infertility, but it does increase your chances of fertility-related problems, such as having irregular or missing periods. You are also at greater risks of miscarriage.

If you are overweight, your body may produce too much estrogen, which can lead to trouble conceiving. Obesity is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a major contributor to infertility in women.

If you need to have surgery for infertility, you are also more likely to have complications during treatment and recovery, along with reduced odds of conceiving. And assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are proven to be less effective for overweight women.

Being underweight can cause problems, too

Having a BMI below under19 can make it harder to get pregnant, as well. In fact, some studies show that being underweight may be even worse for fertility than being obese. Women who are underweight have problems with hormone levels and produce too little estrogen. You may have irregular or absent periods because of low body fat.

Don't delay getting medical help!

If you are underweight or overweight and having problems conceiving, it's time to see your doctor or a fertility specialist. Both you and your baby will be healthier when you're in the ideal weight range!

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