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Many years of in-depth research have now revealed a startling new fact: Obesity and infertility are related. Even though the causes of infertility are varied and many, recent studies clearly show that women defined as obese (due to their BMI exceeding 30)frequently have erratic menstrual cycles leading to irregular ovulation. When irregular ovulation occurs, the chances of becoming pregnant plummets.

Many of the obese women who suffer infertility are also diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome,which happens frequently when irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles are present. Diseases such as diabetes and hyperinsulinemia are also present more frequently in obese women and they also appear to negatively impact fertility. Additionally, when these problems happen, it’s unlikely that in-vitro fertilization will be successful in obese women.

Obesity might negatively impact fertility levels

Other studies which show a connection between obesity and reduced fertility levels reveal that obese women with irregular ovulation and more immature eggs have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic, or “tubal” pregnancies occur outside the uterus and end in miscarriage because the fetus cannot develop properly outside the womb. Ectopic pregnancies are most likely one of the main reasons for lost pregnancies in obese women, but it appears that there are other factors which are still being studied.

Birth related complications more frequent in obese mothers

Recent studies conducted in Sweden have shown that in addition to maternal complications of obesity and infertility, the increase in blood pressure in obese pregnant women is four or five times more likely. There is also an increased risk for babies being still born in the mothers with a body mass index above 35 than in those with a BMI of 26 or less.

Children born to obese mothers are two to three times more likely to having serious birth complications due to the infant’s shoulder becoming stuck in the mother’s pelvis. Gestational diabetes is also a much more serious threat since it is seen much more commonly in babies of obese mothers. Obesity causes problems during not just with infertility, but also causes many of the issues seen during the pregnancies and deliveries of obese women.

While studies are being conducted and much is being learned about the issues and connections between infertility and obesity, there is still a great deal left to research. Hypothyroidism is a common problem for obese people of both sexes, and since the thyroid’s correct functioning is vital for a safe pregnancy, it might have yet another connection. What is known now is that there is an obvious connection between infertility, obesity, and quite possibly even more yet-unrevealed issues.