Determinants of Pre-Conception

Nutrition- weightDr. Eeson SinthamoneyMD (Mal), MRCOG (London), DFFP (UK)Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (Singapore/UK)Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Fertility SpecialistPantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Weight and fertility

• At present, the best method of determining the appropriateness of one’s weight is to measure their body mass index (BMI)

• Under-weight versus over-weight : both have issues

• The recommended BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2.

• probability of pregnancy is reduced by 5% for every unit of BMI that exceeds 29kg/m2.

Weight and fertility

• women who are overweight or obese require a higher dose of stimulation medication, have a lower chance of getting pregnant (reduced by approximately 30%) and have an increased miscarriage rate (increased by approximately 30%).

• negative effects of excessive weight on fertility appear to be reversible

Weight and fertility

Weight and fertility

• In males, the effect of obesity on fertility less studied

• Obesity leads to lower testosterone levels and other endocrine abnormalities, higher scrotal tempreture and higher rates of erectile problems.

• Many studies have shown an increased likelihood of abnormal sperm parameters among overweight men and risk for sub-fertility among couples in which the male partner is obese, other studies have failed to show this association.