Overview
Many often underestimate the impact of eating disorders on fertility, but it is proven that having an eating disorder makes conception harder. However, fortunately, fertility problems due to eating disorders are treatable by simply following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining normal body weight.
Overview – The Link Between Eating Disorders and Infertility
The eating disorders impact on fertility is often overlooked by many, but they may make conception harder. An eating disorder is defined by severe and persistent disturbances in a person’s eating behaviour. Common eating disorders include significant under-eating of calorie intake in fear of gaining weight (Anorexia Nervosa), bulimia, and binge eating.
Millions of people of all ages are affected by eating disorders, taking a toll on their body weight, hormonal levels, reproductive health, and overall well-being. With the high prevalence of eating disorders, it becomes necessary to understand the connection between eating disorders and infertility.
Both men and women may develop fertility problems due to eating disorders. In this article, let’s take a closer look at how eating disorders cause infertility.
How Eating Disorders Can Lead to Infertility
There are several types of eating disorders, marked by extreme changes in eating habits of a person, typically caused by emotional disturbances. A person may severely cut his/her calorie intake in fear of gaining weight, which is called Anorexia Nervosa. This unnecessary cutting of calories causes an imbalance in levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and LH/FSH, leading to disruption in the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Excessive eating or binge eating is yet another form of eating disorder, which may cause fertility problems. It is important to maintain a healthy body fat percentage and a healthy BMI to support high fertility. Both being underweight and being overweight can affect fertility in quite similar ways by causing hormonal imbalances. In men, an eating disorder may result in reduced quantity and quality of sperm cells, impacting the chances of
Common Eating Disorders Linked to Infertility
- Anorexia Nervosa : Individuals with Anorexia significantly reduce their food intake to achieve a thinner body. This intentional starving of the body causes a severe reduction in the oestrogen levels, hampering the reproductive health of a woman. In some cases of prolonged starvation, reproductive organs may return to their prepubertal state. This may lead to amenorrhea (complete halt of menstruation), thus reducing the chances of conception. In men, this nutrient deficiency causes the body to stop or reduce sperm production.
- Bulimia Nervosa : Bulimia nervosa is when you start overeating and feel like you have no control over what and how much you eat. This may also lead to a feeling of guilt, and you may start to take medication or overexercise to get rid of the calories consumed. Bulimia can cause thyroid and hormonal issues, eventually leading to difficulties with conception.
- Binge Eating Disorder : Binge eating refers to consuming an excessive amount of food in a small time, resulting in obesity and being overweight. Obesity in women can lead to severe irregularities in the menstrual cycle and may even cause anovulation. Eventually, Binge Eating disorder causes issues in fertility treatment, longer time to conceive, and other fertility-related issues.
- Orthorexia (Obsessive Healthy Eating) : Orthorexia nervosa can be described as an obsession over healthy eating, going to the extent of completely avoiding some food groups that are deemed “Unhealthy”. Often, unrealistic lifestyles or unreasonable standards of healthy eating promoted by social media are the main cause of this disorder. Such extreme restrictive dietary habits may lead to malnutrition and excessive weight loss, eventually affecting reproductive health.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Eating Disorders
Warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders are different for every individual, but it is important to understand these warning signs to identify if you or any of your loved ones is going through such an eating disorder and needs attention.
- Extreme change in body image or weight. Whether underweight or obese, both may indicate eating disorders.
- If you or your loved one is skipping meals or has severe calorie or food-group restrictions.
- In extreme cases, irregular or cessation of menstrual cycles may occur
- One may have a low tolerance for cold
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
How Eating Disorders Affect Women’s Fertility
While the relationship between the eating disorder and women’s fertility is complicated, researchers show that women affected by eating disorders are more likely to face troubles with conception and complications in pregnancy. Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia often lead to hormonal imbalance in the body, which may cause anovulation or luteal phase defects.
Nutrition deficiency, caused by anorexia, not only leads to poor egg quality and reduced uterine receptivity but can also lead to complications in pregnancy and postpartum health. Due to these complications, women may face an increased risk of miscarriage, anaemia, and low birth weight.
How Eating Disorders Affect Men’s Fertility
Men’s fertility is also negatively impacted by eating disorders, mainly through malnutrition and hormonal imbalances. Men with anorexia may not have enough nutrients in the body, leading to a low sperm count or an overall decrease in sperm quality.
Moreover, the hormonal disturbance caused by EDs (eating disorders) hinders the production of testosterone, leading to a decreased libido or even erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
A medical professional may use the following tests to diagnose the type of eating disorders that the patient is affected with.
- BMI and nutritional assessment.
- Hormonal tests (FSH, LH, estrogen, testosterone)
- Fertility tests for both partners.
Treatment for Eating Disorders and Infertility
Eating disorders and their negative effects on infertility are treatable. Treatment for eating disorders and infertility caused by them depends on the specific type of eating disorder that you have. Nutritional therapy is the first step towards treating the ill effects of eating disorders, where you focus on restoring your body weight and BMI to a normal level by following a personalised diet plan.
Psychological counselling is also important to tackle the underlying emotional and psychological reasons behind eating disorders.
Once the eating disorders are managed, you may use assisted reproductive techniques like IVF treatment to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Preventive Tips to Protect Fertility
- Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
- Avoid extreme dieting or overexercising, as these can disrupt menstrual and hormonal health.
- Seek early help if you notice signs of disordered eating in yourself or in your loved one.
- Schedule regular health check-ups and practice stress management to protect overall fertility.
Conclusion
Eating disorders can negatively affect the reproductive health of both men and women, but the good news is that these “effects” are reversible with simple lifestyle changes. A healthy diet is non-negotiable for restoring your body’s reproductive health after eating disorders.
Don’t be shy to talk about your eating disorders with a medical professional, as eating disorders can hinder your journey to a healthy conception.
Table of Contents
- Overview – The Link Between Eating Disorders and Infertility
- How Eating Disorders Can Lead to Infertility
- Common Eating Disorders Linked to Infertility
- Symptoms and Warning Signs of Eating Disorders
- How Eating Disorders Affect Women’s Fertility
- How Eating Disorders Affect Men’s Fertility
- Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
- Treatment for Eating Disorders and Infertility
- Preventive Tips to Protect Fertility
- Conclusion
Common Questions Asked
Do men with eating disorders also face fertility issues?
Yes, men with eating disorders are also at a higher risk of developing fertility issues. Fortunately, fertility issues caused by eating disorders are temporary and get resolved on their own after dealing with the eating disorder.
Can IVF work if I have a history of an eating disorder?
Yes, IVF treatment can still work fine even if you have a history of an eating disorder. However, there is a risk of relapse while undergoing IVF treatment and pregnancy.
How to regain a normal menstrual cycle after eating disorder recovery?
Eating disorders can lead to disruption in the menstrual cycle, but these disruptions are usually temporary and can be fixed by making lifestyle changes. However, these lifestyle changes demand commitment and hard work to regain your normal menstrual cycle.
Are supplements helpful in restoring fertility after eating disorders?
Yes, supplements can be taken to control your nutrient deficiency caused by eating disorders. Always consult with your doctors before taking supplements to help restore fertility after an eating disorder.
Do eating disorders cause infertility?
In many severe cases, eating disorders do lead to infertility in both men and women. However, infertility caused by eating disorders can be reversed by dealing with the underlying issue.
What are the lifelong effects of eating disorders?
If an eating disorder is left untreated for a prolonged time, it can lead to serious complications and lifelong effects on the heart's functioning.
How do eating disorders affect pregnancy?
Women with eating disorders are at higher risk of miscarriage, difficult labour, and premature delivery.