If you are diabetic and hope to have a family one day, chances are you are wondering if you have a chance at conceiving a baby. The good news is that it is possible!
Research studies have shown a clear connection between diabetes and fertility. Diabetic women should consider the following:
- The reproductive period may be reduced, shortening the window of years to be able to conceive.
- Diabetes may also be associated with abnormalities in the menstrual cycle such as secondary amenorrhea (stopping of previously regular menstruation) and oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods), making timing of conception a little more difficult.
- High glucose levels may also increase the risk of miscarriage by 30-60% according to the American Diabetes Association. Many times a woman may suffer a miscarriage without even realizing she was pregnant.
- Increased insulin production, which is commonly seen in diabetes, has been known to adversely affect ovulation and egg quality. Treatment may reverse these ill effects.
Although conditions associated with diabetes such as obesity and polycystic ovarian disease may have a detrimental effect on fertility, studies have shown that controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetic complications reduces menstrual irregularities and increases fertility rates to those of non-diabetic women.
In men, diabetes may cause nerve damage resulting in erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation (the backing up of semen into the bladder) decreasing the chances of fertilization. These conditions can be treated with medications or assisted reproductive technology.
If you are diabetic and contemplating pregnancy, it is important to control your blood glucose levels through diet, exercise, and medications. It is also advisable to seek fertility counseling and work closely with your doctors to ensure that you have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
ReproMed Fertility Center is committed to providing comprehensive infertility and reproductive health care, including In-vitro fertilization (IVF). Our physicians formulate individualized treatment plans for each patient so they have the best chance of conceiving. ReproMed Fertility Center can offer new hope to those seeking to overcome infertility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.