Being under or overweight can impact the hormonal balance in both men and women. Studies have found that your weight correlates with your fertility. With this in mind, fertility doctors often include a physical examination and weight assessment when seeing patients. When preparing for a consultation, here’s what you should know about the relationship between weight and fertility.

What Effects Does Your Weight Have on Fertility?

When a woman is underweight, menstrual cycles are often disrupted as the body stops producing estrogen. With irregular periods and ovulation, the odds of getting pregnant decrease.

When a woman is overweight and the body has additional fat cells, estrogen levels spike. With more of this hormone, your body can react as though it’s on birth control; as a result, periods and ovulation cycles will be disrupted, and conception becomes more challenging. 

Studies have found that underweight men often struggle to produce quality sperm, which, in turn, lowers the chances of healthy sperm reaching the egg. Overweight men are also 42% more likely to have a lower sperm count than peers with a normal body mass index. 

How Will a Fertility Doctor Help You Determine Optimal Weight?

When visiting a fertility doctor to better understand you and your partner’s reproductive health, they can help you determine your body mass index or BMI. This number is calculated based on your height and weight. The normal range is between 18.5 to 24.9.

After a consultation and testing, an infertility specialist can help you come up with a plan to increase your odds of conception. This may include weight loss or weight gain, supplements, stress relief, and other lifestyle changes. These adjustments can make you a stronger candidate for successful in vitro fertilization or natural conception. 

How Can You Achieve the Ideal Weight for Fertility?

To achieve a normal body mass index, fertility doctors and primary care physicians alike recommend a healthy diet and exercise plan. The Department of Health and Human Services advises that all individuals get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. Your diet plan should include about 1,600 to 3,000 calories per day depending on your height, sex, and activity levels. Eating mostly fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while minimizing processed foods and sugar can also help you achieve a healthy weight. 

If you’re a local on Oahu looking for a dedicated fertility doctor who can help you better understand your reproductive health, Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute is the ideal resource. As the first IVF practice in Hawaii, this fertility clinic has helped residents grow their families for over 34 years. Call today at (808) 946-222 to schedule your consultation, and visit this Honolulu-based center online to learn more about their services and dedication to guiding patients every step of the way.