Are you trying to get pregnant but it’s just not happening as fast as you’d hoped? Couples who have been trying to conceive for more than a year should seek help from their GP or a specialist fertility doctor and look into what may be preventing conception. Discussing fertility issues openly is the first step to getting the appropriate help. We know that many different factors can influence your fertility and future parenthood, such as lifestyle, toxins, and even chronic health conditions.
There are many chronic health conditions that can impact fertility. These range from autoimmune disorders to metabolic syndromes. Here we take a look at some of them, along with the impact that they can have on your reproductive system and your entire body. If you have one of these health conditions and are trying to start a family, you should seek advice from your doctor.
Common chronic health conditions that can influence conception
There are a lot of different chronic health conditions that can have an overall impact on your fertility journey. If you have one (or more than one) of them, you may be at a higher risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid disorders, among others, may increase the likelihood of negative outcomes during pregnancy. The sooner you act on any health conditions, the better the results.
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, and also one of the most common reasons why an individual may struggle to get pregnant. In fact, PCOS affects a huge 8-13% of women of reproductive age globally. If you're dealing with any type of hormonal imbalance, or irregular menstrual cycles, or if you think you have any symptoms associated with ovarian cysts, you should check in with your doctor and your gynecologist to determine if you have PCOS. PCOS can lead to difficulties with ovulation, making it challenging to conceive. Additionally, insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS, can cause different fertility issues during pregnancy. What to look out for? The first sign of PCOS is usually an irregular menstrual cycle, but other signs include oily skin, and excessive hair growth.
2. Endometriosis
WHO estimates that 190 million (that’s around 10%) of women in the world have endometriosis. This condition is another common reason why you may have issues getting pregnant. It’s possible to have endometriosis and not know, but many women with it will experience incredibly painful periods, bloating, fatigue, nausea, depression, and more. It is a condition in which a tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This most often occurs around ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic and abdominal organs. Not only that it can be painful, but it can also have a severe impact on your fertility and quality of life. So how does endometriosis affect fertility? It can lead to the obstruction of the fallopian tubes (which is how the egg travels from the ovaries into the uterus), and impair the function of the ovaries. It is quite difficult to diagnose endometriosis, however, if you have any concerns you should definitely arrange to see your GP or a fertility specialist.
3. Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known as thyroid disorders. These hormone-related conditions can disrupt the menstrual cycle and impair ovulation. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including regulating the metabolism and our reproductive function. If you have an imbalance of your thyroid hormones, you're looking at a higher risk of a miscarriage, along with reduced chances of conceiving and conception. Thankfully, with the right treatments and medications, your fertility doctor should be able to address this and help you to conceive faster.
4. Diabetes
Did you know that type 2 diabetes can impact fertility in both men and women? Diabetes may be a chronic autoimmune condition, but it is reasonably easy to keep under control if you catch it early. However, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, ovulatory dysfunction, and decreased sperm quality. Women with diabetes may also have a higher risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Luckily, with proper glycemic control and lifestyle modifications, this condition can be managed, and fertility can be improved.
5. Autoimmune Diseases
There are many autoimmune diseases that can lead to complications with fertility. These include the likes of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. How? Inflammation, which is associated with autoimmune diseases, may lead to damage of the reproductive organs or disruption of hormonal balance, which can impact your likelihood of conceiving. Autoimmune disorders can be tricky to cure or approach, as they usually require addressing many different aspects of your lifestyle, in addition to intervention with medications. Talking with your fertility specialists is often necessary for individuals with autoimmune disorders who desire to conceive.
6. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Premature ovarian insufficiency is an incurable disease that poses a significant obstacle to fertility. POI is a condition that manifests through irregular or absent menstrual cycles and has an impact on ovarian function. It occurs when there is a problem with the follicles in the ovaries (where eggs develop and are stored) and they cannot make estrogen. Unfortunately, the cause of POI is unknown but it is thought that it has a hereditary element, and can be triggered by other health conditions. For women with POI, IVF using donor eggs may be an appropriate solution. The diagnosis of POI can be emotionally distressing, which is why most individuals will want emotional help, alongside fertility treatment.
Getting pregnant when you have a chronic illness
Whether you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant, suspect you may have a health condition, or have a known chronic illness, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of a fertility specialist to help make your journey to conception easier and quicker.
Want someone who can help you on your journey? Check out this fertility clinic in London. The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy, established in 2004, is a leading fertility clinic in London offering advanced treatments for infertility, including tests, IVF, egg freezing, and reproductive immunology. Every patient gets a unique and tailored approach thanks to Dr. Amin Gorgy, a renowned fertility consultant. He and his team can provide personalised and effective fertility treatment and support.
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Website: https://www.fertility-academy.co.uk/
