$Unique_ID{BRK01103}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does Being Overweight Contribute to Infertility?}
$Subject{pregnancy fertility fertile obese obesity diet diets dieting weight
overweight underweight menstruation menstrual disorders ovulation disorder
infertility infertile sterile sterility}
$Volume{K-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does Being Overweight Contribute to Infertility?


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QUESTION:  I am 26 years of age, married for about 6 years, and wish very much
to have a baby.  We have been seeing a doctor for some time now, who has been
very helpful and reassuring.  He has been hinting lately that my problem is
not being helped by the 35 pounds or so that I am overweight, and has become
stricter about my diet program.  Is there any truth to his opinion, or is this
inspired by general attitude on fitness?

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ANSWER:  Fitness and normal weight are important factors in just about every
health problem I deal with, and I might be supportive of your physician's
perspective on this basis alone; but there is now more evidence to consider.
Infertility is not a simple condition, and their are many factors and causes,
both on the father's side as well as the mother's.  Abnormal ovulation may be
one of those causes, and new research sponsored by the National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development and conducted at the University of
Washington in Seattle would seem to point to excessive overweight or
underweight as a factor in this condition.  Weight disorders are generally
accepted as contributing to menstrual disorders, but researchers now estimate
that among women who have never had a child, weighing too much accounts for 6
per cent of infertility related to ovulation problems, and the same number of
cases in women who weigh too little.  It would appear that your physician's
opinion is based upon more than instinct or attitude and has a sound
scientific basis.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.