Infertility and diet Flashcards
Define Infertility
It is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Types of infertility
Primary and secondary infertility
What are the chances of conceiving in any given menstrual cycle?
20%
Which are the main events necessary for pregnancy?
Ovulation
Fertilization
Implantation
What are the causes of female infertility - ovulation failure?
- Gynaecological or ovarian conditions such as Primary
ovarian insufficiency or PCOs, menstrual irregularities - Ageing – reduced ovarian reserve, the proportion of first births to women aged 30 years and older has increased more than fourfold since 1975
- Endocrine disorders (hypothalamus, thyroid problems)
- Environmental factors (endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs, organic pollutants) - organochlorine pesticides, many polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) TCCD dioxin-select polybrominated diethers and perfluorochemicals to reduce fecundity
Facts about ageing and fertility
- Longer labour
- Increased risk of developmental issues
- Increased risk of chromosomal disorders
- Increased risk of pregnancy complications
- Long-term consequences
Causes of female infertility - Structural problems
Endometriosis- tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other areas too; inability to implant successfully
* Uterine fibroids
* Unusually shaped uterus
* Polyps
* Scarring from injuries or surgery
Causes of female infertility - Infections
STIs
Syphilis
Chronic infections and cervical lesions due to HPV
Additional reasons of infertility
Failure of implantation
Uterine fibroids
Autoimmune disorders
Failure of an egg to mature properly
Women’s fertility and nutritional factors
- Higher intakes of monounsaturated fats – improved fertility
- Higher intakes of plant-based proteins and non-haem iron
- Higher intakes of full-fat dairy
- Vitamin D –receptors found in ovaries and endometrium
- Iron
- Folate
- Zinc-hormone balance and regulation
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
- Maternal weight
How does relative energy deficient in sports affect?
reduced/ impaired metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis
and cardiovascular health caused by relative energy deficiency in both men and women
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Associated with greater BMI- even 5% weight increases fertility success.
- Insulin resistance- increased production of androgen which interferes with the follicles’ development.
- Raised levels of luteinising hormone- essential for ovulation but in excess levels can have adverse effects
- Low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) – a protein that binds to testosterone and reduces its effect
- Raised prolactin levels- interfere with the production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
PCOs and diet
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Increased levels of cortisol due to blood sugar fluctuations
- Increased pro-inflammatory markers
- Hyperandrogenism
- Vitamin D insufficiency causes calcium dysregulation and follicular arrest in women with PCOS
Which diets are recommended for PCOs?
Mediterranean diet
DASH diet
Intermittent fasting diet
Low glycaemic index diet
Which supplements are recommended for PCOs?
- Chromium improves glucose metabolism
- Curcumin substantially downregulates the expression of ovarian androgen receptor
proteins. - Inositol- Myoinositol is an insulin sensitizer commonly used to treat PCOS due to its effectiveness in reducing the reproductive
and metabolic disorders that are the key features of the syndrome. - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
