High Cholesterol and Fertility

Cholesterol is one of the most important biochemical in & for cell metabolism & function. All cell membranes are made of fats.
The hormones estrogen, Progesterone & testosterone are formed from cholesterol.

Hence, excess of cholesterol is obviously a factor implicated in cell dysfunction.

Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia – High levels of cholesterol / LDL fat / triglycerides / low levels of the good cholesterol – HDL, in blood is a major risk factor for heart disease, brain stroke, atherosclerosis, hypertension & obesity.

• Dyslipidemia is one of the major lifestyle disorders.
• It is on the rise in men & women of reproductive age.
• All lifestyle disorders contribute to fertility issues in both genders, in one way or the other.
• Men & women who don’t look overweight / obese may also have dyslipidemia.
• Though not a direct cause of infertility, Dyslipidemia can negatively impact fertility in both men & women.
• Couples where either or both partners are with dyslipidemia may take longer to get pregnant compared to those with normal cholesterol levels.

High LDL cholesterol can build up complete / partial blockages in arteries, decreasing blood flow to reproductive organs in both genders, affecting the function of uterus, ovaries & testes.

Dyslipidemia contributes to poor follicle growth, poor egg quality, poor quality of uterine lining. Dyslipidemia is also thought to
cause hormone imbalance. Dyslipidemia is seen in association with PCOS also. Women with dyslipidemia often have poor quality of embryos.

In men, Dyslipidemia is known to cause erectile dysfunction, can negatively affect the sperm count, motility & morphology.

Excess of LDL & triglycerides are known to cause a chronic pro – inflammatory & an oxidative milieu in all tissues. This will damage the sperm DNA, decreasing the fertilization potential of sperms.

The impact of high cholesterol levels on fertility can vary depending on personal factors like age, general health, presence of hypertension and / or diabetes, obesity & the severity of the cholesterol elevation.

Managing dyslipidemia through lifestyle correction measures like low fat balanced diet, consuming healthier fats, exercise, weight loss & medicines can improve / correct abnormal lipid profiles, which may enhance fertility outcomes. Controlling the underlying conditions like diabetes / insulin resistance / vitamin D deficiency will also play a role in improving reproductive health.

Find out how The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness can make your journey to family a pleasant one and a shorter one.
www.berkleycenter.com
212-685-0985