Perhaps every woman who decides to go for an IVF treatment is made aware about the repercussions of weight on the procedure. To an extent, weight does have a major role to play before and during infertility treatment. As per the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), 12% of all primary infertility cases are due to the woman either being obese (6%) or being underweight (6%).
We invariably think about diseases and disorders when it comes to weight-related complications. Diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and heart diseases are not the only cause of weight fluctuations. Physicians have discovered body mass index (BMI) to have a profound effect on a person’s fertility. Slow metabolism, food cravings and side effects of drugs are just a trailer of how IVF and weight fluctuations go hand-in-hand.
1. The role of BMI in weight
BMI can impact treatment as early as the stimulation phase in underweight or overweight couples. Women with a higher BMI are typically found to have a lower response to medication prescribed to regulate or initiate ovulation, leading to cancelled cycles, stillbirth, miscarriage, hypertension and more.
1.1 Ideal BMI for IVF
A BMI between 19 and 24 is considered normal, anything below 19 is considered underweight. BMI up to 29 is considered overweight and those with a BMI greater than 30 are obese. BMI can be calculated easily online. Talk to your doctor about how obesity can be dealt with. you may opt for IVF treatment in Delhi or any other big cities for the availability of well-equipped hospitals needed for IVF.
2. Hormone Treatments
Hormone treatments are most likely to cause weight gain.
2.1 Progesterone shots
Progesterone shots are not very likely to push weight gain, a lot of it depends on the dosage and the body’s natural response to it. Some people might also experience weight gain. It impacts everyone differently.
2.2 Fertility Stimulating Hormones (FSH)
Many infertility treatment specialists conclude that follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) lead to bloating and weight gain. FSH boosts estrogen levels dramatically, resulting in fluid retention and physical changes. These hormones may also cause enlarged ovaries, making your abdomen feel bulkier
3. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and Weight Gain
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) has emerged to be a serious condition causing swollen and painful ovaries. Women taking hormone medications/injections to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries are likely to get affected by OHSS. Whether mild and short-lived or long-term, its effects could prove to be quite serious. Any weight gain of more than a few pounds caused due to OHSS is a red flag that must not be ignored.
In a trial performed in 2017, 317 obese women were given a low-calorie liquid diet before IVF. Those who lost weight had a marginally higher live birth rate, though the difference between women who had lost and those who hadn’t was not statistically significant.
Despite contradicting views regarding weight changes and IVF, one must consult a fertility specialist after they have tried conceiving to no avail for a year or more. Maintaining weight irrespective of seeing a specialist is always advisable.