Learn about the relationship between low weight and infertility

It’s a fact that weight can affect fertility. Just as being overweight can lead to infertility, being underweight can also cause issues. Not everyone realizes that there is a strong link between low weight and infertility. As a result, our Austin fertility doctors strive to educate patients about low weight, exercise and fertility issues.

What do you need to know about the link between low weight and infertility?

Medical professionals often use body mass index (BMI) to assess whether someone has a healthy weight for their height. This measurement tells us that a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is healthy. Research has found a link between low weight and infertility, which means it can be more difficult for a patient with a low body weight to conceive.

When a woman has a BMI of less than 18.5 (underweight), her body may stop making estrogen. This can result in irregular or absent periods and ovulation, which can cause fertility issues. Even if a woman with a low BMI does become pregnant, she may still experience problems. In fact, she is more likely to have a low birth weight baby (under 5.5 pounds) or a premature birth.

Information about the relationship between exercise and fertility

Many patients have heard about female athletes who exercise heavily and lose too much body fat. They tend to stop having periods and ovulating. For the same reasons our Austin fertility doctors discussed above, this can make it difficult for these women to conceive. As a result, there is a link between excessive exercise and fertility issues.

How to reach a healthy BMI and enhance natural fertility

Our Austin fertility doctors understand the link between low weight and infertility and can help women reach a healthy body weight. Gaining just five to 10 pounds is sometimes enough to help a woman start ovulating again.

The team at Texas Fertility Center (TFC) recommends eating a balanced diet and cutting back on exercise as ways to promote healthy weight gain. If a woman is facing issues like anorexia or bulimia, our doctors can help her find treatment.

Contact us to schedule an appointment at TFC to learn more about the link between weight, exercise and fertility. Our doctors can help you overcome low weight and infertility to get on the path to health and parenthood.