How Eating Disorders Affect Fertility

Very often fertility problems can be traced to eating disorders and it is estimated that as many as one out of every five infertility cases are the result of unhealthy eating habits. Long periods of depleted nutrition and rapid weight loss interfere with hormonal balance which has an effect on the menstrual cycle and egg release and thus adversely affects fertility. Other infertility related problems that may arise among women with eating disorders include low libido, poor uterine environment, reduced egg quality (due to polycystic ovary syndrome) and ovarian failure.

Types of eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa is the most common eating disorder. It is a condition of food deprival in an effort to become thin. Characteristics of this self imposed starvation include a mortal fear of fatness leading to food avoidance, excessive exercise and a completely unhealthy eating regimen.

Bulimia nervosa on the other hand involves binge eating and then purging the food, either by vomiting or through the use of laxatives.

The other extreme condition is compulsive overeating where the person will binge on food but will not purge afterwards. This is often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame since it involves the issue of overweight. Such women carry the risk of miscarriage due to the pressure on the body.

Since these are mental illnesses as well, anorexics, bulimics and compulsive overeaters are more likely to suffer from anxiety, stress and depression which in turn adversely affect their chance of conceiving.

Adverse effects on pregnancy

Even if a woman with an eating disorder does become pregnant, it is detrimental to the health of both mother and child. Continued avoidance of food leads to delayed fetal growth, gestational diabetes, jaundice, preeclampsia, premature labor, low birth weight and birth defects such as mental retardation and blindness. In the event that a baby is carried to term, such women tend to have problems with breast feeding and may also suffer from postpartum depression.

Women who are excessively underweight or overweight are susceptible to amenorrhea which is the cessation of menstruation. On a positive note, most women start menstruating again when they begin to gain weight and consequently achieve conception. Women identified with eating disorders should be counseled and treated for the eating disorder before further hormonal tests and infertility treatments are pursued. However regaining weight is not enough; eating patterns have to be normalized with a good distribution of eating healthy food at regular intervals.

Those struggling with an eating disorder are encouraged to consult with a gynecologist before trying to conceive. They will then be directed to a counselor and nutritionist to discuss a healthy pregnancy diet. It is best to wait until the disorder is under control before trying for a baby. The counseling sessions should ideally be continued post delivery.

East Bay Fertility Center helps couples cope with eating disorders that may be the underlying cause of infertility. As there are emotional issues involved, couples will be given one-on-one counseling to help overcome the situation. The Center offers a complete mind-body experience for couples facing infertility issues. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.