Fertility Treatment for Overweight Women
Many women who are overweight wonder if this is a factor in their infertility. Today, in America and England, nearly 50% of women between the ages of 25 and 55 are overweight. If you are overweight, clearly you are not alone with this issue. It's certainly important to understand how your weight can impact fertility, and what you can do about this situation.
Ovulation Issues
The extra weight that a woman carries does not, in itself, cause fertility issues. The issues arise, instead, as a result of ovulation issues. Overweight women have extra estrogen since fat cells produce estrogen. Estrogen is found to work in a similar way to birth control in the body. Many overweight women will find that they either don't ovulate at all, or they have inadequate ovulation. These issues make it difficult to become pregnant. Researchers have also found that overweight women tend to have more PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and LPD (luteal phase defect). Both of these conditions deal with ovulation and create irregular cycles.
Fertility Treatments for Heavy Women
At this time, there are no specific fertility treatments to help aid overweight women. Many doctors will recommend that the woman try to lose weight to create a more steady cycle and more chance for ovulation. Some doctors will say that they won't work with an overweight woman with fertility issues until she loses the weight. This is, of course, a perfectly legitimate idea, but it is not always possible for every woman. If you feel that you simply will not be able to lose the weight, then it's your right to find another doctor who will work with you as you are. You can then undergo the same fertility treatments that any other woman would have.
The Idea of Fat Eggs
Interestingly, researchers in Australia have recently done research on the effect of obesity on the egg. Using female mice, they've discovered that obesity is a key factor in infertility because of how the fat affects the egg. They have discovered that they can reverse the effects of obesity on mouse eggs, allowing the eggs to develop into healthy embryos. This research has not yet been conducted on humans, and it has a long way to go. The research findings were made by PhD student Cadence Minge in the University of Adelaide's Research Centre for Reproductive Health. The main impact that she emphasizes is that women today need to understand the impact that their weight has on their reproductive health and try to tailor their diet and exercise accordingly if they want to conceive naturally.
Working with a Fertility Specialist
If you are ready to work with a fertility specialist, make sure that you find someone who is comfortable and familiar working with overweight women. You don't want to be made uncomfortable and you want the doctor to be familiar with your issues. You'll probably be tested initially for PCOS and LPD. You'll also have all of the fertility tests done that others have done when they are trying to conceive.
Fertility issues are certainly sensitive for any couple. When they are coupled with weight issues, they often become even more sensitive. Make sure that you have a supportive partner and other friends or family to help you through the process. Hopefully, with time, you'll be able to conceive and to look to a future filled with noisy children!
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