What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying. For women 35 years and older we evaluate them for infertility after six months of trying to conceive as fertility declines steadily with age.
There are many potential causes of infertility and some of them are related to the prospective carrier’s general health.

Can high blood sugar cause infertility?
When sugar is ingested, the pancreas releases insulin which enables the cells in the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose then provides energy for cell function.
Eating sugar in excess can have a negative effect on female fertility. The reason is the ovaries confuse elevated insulin with luteinizing hormone (LH). This decreases the production of LH, interferes with egg maturation and ovulation, and causes fertility problems.
A study from Boston University found that just one sugary soft drink a day reduced conception rates in women by a quarter and in men by a third. This is because insulin also interferes with male reproductive hormone levels, and this negatively impacts sperm quality.
During fertility treatment, high blood sugar levels have been shown to lower pregnancy rates. A Japanese study found a link between blood sugar and IVF (in vitro fertilization)—the more sugar women consumed in the months leading up to an IVF cycle, the poorer the egg quality.
The study also found that men with high blood glucose levels had a higher incidence of sperm DNA damage. Pre-diabetes or diabetes affects male fertility by altering hormone levels, lowering sperm quality, and causing erectile dysfunction.
Excess sugar intake is also associated with high blood pressure, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. These health problems can significantly impact the reproductive health of both men and women.
Can stress increase blood sugar levels?
Diet isn’t the only thing that impacts your blood sugar levels. Stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol increases blood glucose levels by releasing the glucose stored in the liver. Because chronic stress causes consistently high cortisol levels, it also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Is there a link between insulin and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal condition in which the body produces a higher level of androgens (“male” sex hormones). These high testosterone levels can cause esthetic symptoms such as increased facial hair and also disrupt ovulation. Despite the name, polycystic ovarian syndrome doesn’t always include ovarian cysts.
Because the ovaries fail to properly release mature eggs, PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility.
In addition, it’s estimated that 65% to 70% of people with PCOS are insulin resistant. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body are not responsive to normal amounts of insulin. As we previously mentioned, insulin resistance can lead to increased blood glucose levels which can cause fertility problems.
If insulin resistance persists, the pancreas will be unable to maintain the level of insulin production necessary to regulate blood sugar. Over time, people with PCOS can shift from insulin resistance to prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. Despite this, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of progression and even reverse a prediabetic condition.
In the case of a successful pregnancy, unmanaged PCOS can increase the risk of gestational diabetes.
Can high blood pressure cause infertility?
Women with high blood pressure have difficulty getting pregnant. A study revealed the risk of miscarriage increased by 18% for every 10 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure.
Chronic high blood pressure has been linked to poor egg quality due to increased estrogen production. If a less-than-optimal egg is fertilized, the chances of implantation in the uterus decrease. If it does implant, it may not develop properly and result in a miscarriage.
Does being over- or underweight affect fertility?
Yes. Being too far over- or underweight can impact overall health as well as fertility.
Obesity and ovulation
Ovaries produce the hormone estrogen, but so do fat cells. As you gain weight, the number of fat cells increases, and more estrogen is released. Increased estrogen levels are commonly used by hormonal birth control, meaning naturally high estrogen levels can also prevent ovulation.
Weight and fertility treatments
Being underweight causes irregular menstrual cycles and may stop ovulation — making it impossible to conceive naturally. Because fat cells release estrogen, being underweight also puts patients at risk for decreased estrogen levels.
Is there a fertility diet for women?
There are foods to eat for fertility optimization. Dr. Robert Kiltz, a fertility specialist in New York said, “Our diet and other things we choose to consume is the single greatest factor we have control over that can help to support increased odds of conception and pregnancy.”
A fertility-enhancing diet can have a significant effect on:
- sperm quantity and quality
- egg quality
- conception
- lowering the risk of pregnancy complications
- optimizing preconception wellness
There are dietary adjustments to be made when trying to conceive. While it may seem counterintuitive, a high-fat low-carb diet is an optimal diet for improving fertility. Fat provides key building blocks for cell functions in the body and is important for optimal fertility.
A high-fat low-carbohydrate diet reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and supports the synthesis of reproductive hormones.
Complex carbohydrates do not cause a spike in blood sugar. They are found in whole grains, vegetables, and low-sugar fruits. They contain fiber which slows the breakdown and absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, only causing a mild to moderate increase in blood sugar.
Can I naturally improve my fertility?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle — such as eating a diet suited to your individual needs and getting regular physical activity — may increase your chances of conception. Improving your overall health can help maintain blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose levels, as well as lower stress.
However, infertility can have multiple causes — and be a problem for either parent. So, if you are generally healthy but are still having trouble conceiving, an OB/GYN can provide infertility testing and help you find your fertility solution.
Can a gynecologist help with fertility? Yes!
As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. Together with her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women through all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
An expert in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Aliabadi has been a practicing OB/GYN in Los Angeles since 2002. She serves as an official gynecologist for many royal families and “celebrities,” as well as instructing Cedars Sinai Medical Center residents and medical students at the University of Southern California.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
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