Hypertension- How it impacts Fertility and Pregnancy

What Is Hypertension and Why It Matters for Fertility

High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as having higher-than-normal levels of blood flowing in the arteries than is considered normal. There are two types of hypertension:

• Primary Hypertension develops gradually over time.
Secondary Hypertension results from another illness or from taking medicines that cause your body to retain too much sodium.

Chronic high levels of blood flowing through the arteries can damage the heart, kidneys, and vessels. This is a major contributor to decreased reproductive health by reducing blood flow to the egg and sperm, thereby compromising optimal egg and sperm quality and embryo development.

As stress continues to rise and dietary habits worsen, there has been an increase in the number of couples who are trying to conceive but face difficulties due to hypertension.

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Infertility?

Yes, high blood pressure contributes to infertility in both women and men. While hypertension may not directly be the reason behind infertility, it is responsible for an internal imbalance that reduces reproductive potential.

In women, the problems that arise are:

• An imbalance of hormones in women due to hormonal disruption, like progesterone and estrogen levels, affects a woman’s ability to ovulate.
• Reduced blood supply to the ovaries and uterus, limiting a woman's ability to mature or implant eggs;
• Effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on menstrual cycles and/or libido;
• Increased risk of blocked fallopian tubes and thinning of the lining in women from chronic hypertension.

Men experience:

• Decreased sperm count and movement from lowered blood flow to the testicles;
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which is caused by damage to blood vessels from High BP.
• Hormonal disruption impacts the production of testosterone.
• Sexual difficulties related to medication side effects.

Pregnancy with High Blood Pressure – What to Expect

A woman with high blood pressure can definitely have a healthy and successful pregnancy. However, it requires close and continuous medical monitoring. Hypertension increases the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and placental complications. The reason is that high BP can reduce blood flow to the baby. Some women may also develop gestational hypertension during pregnancy. Safety can be ascertained if doctors regularly track blood pressure, fetal growth, and placental health through scans, alongside routine urine and blood tests. The majority of women who are hypertensive before and during pregnancy will experience positive pregnancy outcomes when provided with appropriate care.

Tips to Manage Blood Pressure for Better Fertility and Pregnancy: Lifestyle Changes

Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level greatly helps achieve optimal fertility and provides the best possible chance of a successful pregnancy. A good starting point is to eat a low salt, high fiber, vegetable, fruit and whole grain diet, and include foods with omega 3 fatty acids. Strictly avoid smoking and limit caffeine. Regular moderate exercise like walking or yoga, and maintaining a healthy weight, also helps. Medical management is equally important. It is advised to take only doctor-prescribed antihypertensive medicines. And never discontinue them abruptly, also monitor your blood pressure daily at home.

When to Consult a Fertility Specialist

Consulting with a fertility specialist is recommended if you:

• Have uncontrolled hypertension and have experienced limited time since your last period;
• Have been unable to conceive for 6–12 months;
• Have irregular period cycles; have erectile dysfunction or low libido;
• Considering using assisted reproductive technologies with hypertension.
• Experience symptoms such as headaches and swelling, changes in eyesight during pregnancy,
• Or if you want to improve your odds of becoming pregnant, through an earlier diagnosis.

Conclusion

Hypertension has a negative impact on both male and female fertility by disrupting hormone balance, reducing egg/sperm quality and interfering with blood flow to the uterus. Following a doctor's suggested treatment plan and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will provide many couples with the opportunity for a healthy pregnancy, even when they have hypertension. Regular follow-up, early referral to a specialist and consistent treatment for high blood pressure promote healthier conceptions and healthier pregnancies.