Revised 2023
How do I figure out if I am a good weight for pregnancy?
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). There are many tables available online (search term: BMI table). Enter your height and weight into the tool to see your BMI. A BMI between 19 and 24 is considered normal; less than 19 is considered underweight. A BMI between 25 and 29 is considered overweight, and greater than 30 places you in the category of obese.
How does weight affect fertility in individuals with female reproductive anatomy?
Many underweight, overweight, and obese individuals have no problem getting pregnant. But others will have problems conceiving, most often due to ovulation problems (failure to release eggs from the ovaries). A BMI of 18.5 or less (underweight) often causes irregular menstrual cycles and may cause ovulation to stop altogether. Individuals with less than normal BMI should work with their doctor to understand the cause of this situation and develop strategies to correct it. A BMI in the obese range may also lead to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation. However, even obese individuals with normal ovulation cycles have lower pregnancy rates than normal-weight individuals, so ovulation is not the only issue. A visit to a healthcare professional before becoming pregnant can help identify other disorders related to obesity that impact pregnancy, such as thyroid disease, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
Does obesity affect the chance of getting pregnant with treatment and having a healthy baby?
There is substantial evidence that obesity can impact the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Studies have indicated lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates in individuals with obesity. Those with obesity are at an increased risk for developing pregnancy-induced (“gestational”) diabetes and high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia). Additionally, individuals with obesity have a higher likelihood of requiring delivery by cesarean section. Children of individuals with obesity are at an increased risk for birth defects and having a high birth weight.
Are there fertility problems associated with obesity in individuals with male reproductive systems?
Obesity in individuals with male reproductive systems may be associated with changes in testosterone levels and other hormones important for reproduction. Overweight and obese individuals may more frequently exhibit low sperm counts and reduced sperm motility compared to those with normal weight.
Should I try to lower my BMI if I am in the obese category before I try to get pregnant?
You should first consult with a healthcare provider. They will consider all factors, including your age and any other infertility factors, before recommending whether you should try to lose weight first. Changing your diet and lifestyle (for example, exercise) combined with a program that may provide group support is effective but not always the appropriate first step if your age or BMI is above 40. Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is the most effective treatment for weight loss in individuals with a BMI greater than 40.
Weight
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
Preparing for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Lifestyle Factors
This SART micro-video discusses lifestyle factors that may affect in vitro fertilization, or IVF, outcomes. Watch VideoFemale Fertility
SART Fertility Experts - Fertility Myths and Realities for Black Women
Black women are more likely to experience infertility and less likely to seek and receive timely treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Preconception Counseling
This podcast episode covers the topic of preconception counseling. Listen to the Episode
Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Am I Ovulating?
Ovulation is the release of an egg from a woman’s ovaries and is essential for getting pregnant. View the Fact Sheet
Abnormalities of the Female Reproductive Tract (Müllerian Anomalies)
Sometimes the uterus and fallopian tubes may not form like they should. These malformations are called müllerian anomalies or defects. Müllerian anomalies may make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. View the Fact Sheet
Conditions Treated with Surgery on the Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries
Surgery can be used to treat problems with the ovaries or fallopian tubes, such as cysts, endometriosis, or infections. View the Fact Sheet
Diagnostic Testing for Infertility
An evaluation of a woman for infertility is appropriate for women who have not become pregnant after having 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. View the Fact Sheet
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
“Dilation and curettage” (D&C) is a short surgical procedure that removes tissue from your uterus (womb). You may need this procedure if you have unexplained or abnormal bleeding or if you have delivered a baby and placental tissue remains in your womb. View the Fact Sheet
Evaluation of the Uterus
If you haven’t been able to get pregnant after trying for 6 months, some tests can be done to help find the reason. Your doctor may test your hormone levels, your partner’s sperm, and your reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus [womb]). View the Fact Sheet
Female Cancers, Cryopreservation, and Fertility
Yes! New technology lets your doctor remove and freeze eggs, fertilized eggs (embryos), or ovarian tissue before treating your cancer. This way, you may be able to have children after your treatment. View the Fact Sheet
Fertility Drugs And The Risk of Multiple Births
Infertility treatments that cause multiple eggs to develop make it more likely that you will become pregnant with twins, triplets, or more. This is called multiple gestation. View the Fact Sheet
Ovulation Detection
Ovulation, the release of an egg from its follicle in one of a woman’s two ovaries, is one of the most important factors in conceiving a child. View the fact sheet
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy: what should I know?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should. View the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Fibroids and Fertility
Fibroids and their impact on fertility are discussed in this episode featuring Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, interviewed by host Dr. Brooke Rossi. Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
Endometriosis (booklet)
Women with endometriosis may experience infertility, pelvic pain, or both. This booklet will describe options for diagnosing and treating pain or infertility that may be attributed to endometriosis. View the Booklet
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Female Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Female Fertility better. View the Infographics
Ovarian Reserve Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Ovarian Reserve better. View the InfographicsMale Fertility/Andrology
AUA Releases Male Infertility Guideline Amendment
The AUA, in collaboration with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has released the 2024 amendment to the Male Infertility Guideline.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey
SART Fertility Experts - Urology and Male Reproductive Health
Male infertility is less often discussed than female infertility. Dr. Ajay Nangia discusses when a man should seek help with conceiving.
Listen to the Episode
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet
Cancer and its impact on sperm, cryopreservation, and fertility
This can be confusing since the terms are often used interchangeably in the media and casual conversation. View the fact sheet
Male Fertility Evaluation: What do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet
Sperm morphology (shape): Does it affect fertility?
The most common test of a man’s fertility is a semen analysis. View the fact sheet
Fertility Options for Men with Spinal Cord Injury
There are several reasons a man with a spinal cord injury (SCI) might have infertility. View the fact sheet
Varicocele
A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Male Factor
Infertility is not just a female problem. Dan candidly shares his journey with both diagnosis and treatment of male infertility with Dr. Paul Lin.
Listen to the Episode
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
Fertility Options After Vasectomy
Vasectomy is currently one of the most common methods of sterilization in the United States. After your vasectomy, if you change your mind about having children, there are two procedures that can help you have a child with your partner. View the Fact Sheet
Testosterone use and male infertility
Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is a hormone produced in men by the testes (testicles). View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Male Fertility
Did you know that up to 40% of infertile couples suffer from male factor infertility? Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Male Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Male Fertility better. View the infographicsPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Conditions Treated with Surgery on the Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries
Surgery can be used to treat problems with the ovaries or fallopian tubes, such as cysts, endometriosis, or infections. View the Fact Sheet
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormone disorder that affects 5-10% of women. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - PCOS
As the most common hormonal disorder in women, PCOS is a disruptive problem that impacts aspects of a woman’s health, including getting pregnant.
Listen to the Episode
Ovarian drilling for infertility
Often, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) do not have regular menstrual periods. View the fact sheet
Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (booklet)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries contain many cystic follicles associated with chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation) and overproduction of androgens (male hormones). View the booklet
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome better. View the InfographicsFact Sheets/Booklets
View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.
Menopausal Transition (Perimenopause): What Is It?
The menopausal transition (perimenopause) is the period that links a woman’s reproductive (childbearing) years and menopause.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions of having low bone mass (density).
Hyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin Levels)
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain.Resources For You
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is committed to providing patients with the highest quality information about reproductive care.
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