Diabetes and infertility; are you affected?
When you and your partner are trying to have a baby for over a year, and the conception has not yet happened, possibly due to diabetes induced infertility. We understand what you may be going through. But let us tell you, you are definitely not alone, and recent advances in medical science gives new hopes to both men and women living with diabetes to conceive and live a happy life despite insulin/hormone related infertility.
What really happens?
Research hints, that diabetes can create infertility in men and women both, because the insulin imbalance in people with diabetes affects other vital hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Our body undergoes tremendous hormonal imbalances resulting in obesity and PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) in women with type2 diabetes.
In men diabetes triggers erectile dysfunction, decrease in sperm- count, sperm motility and backward ejaculation which interferes in conception.
According to Dr Carol levy, senior medical director at Novo Nordisk, “Poor glucose control may create an environment where someone might not get pregnant because the body doesn’t view the environment as appropriate for becoming pregnant,” she said. Because conception requires specific timing, eggs being released, sperm being hardy, and your body being hospitable to nurturing for the next forty or so weeks, if something in your chemistry isn’t exactly right, you may have a tougher time procreating
Studies in USA, strongly suggests that diabetes induced infertility psychologically affects both men and women equally. But majority of men due to social, emotional and personal reasons do not seek medical advice from an endocrinologist or an urologist. It has been observed infertility affects men negatively. On the other hand scientific studies reveal that women living with infertility are more neurotic, dependent and anxious.
What one can do
Medical science has advanced many folds in terms of technology and medicines. One can choose to see an endocrinologist followed by an urologist/sexologist (if needed). Women must seek advice and help from gynaecologist/obstetricians or endocrinologists who can easily guide
Super ovulating pills are prescribed to women with anovulation (no ova production). The good news is, research is on our side and strongly hints that women with type 2 diabetes can reverse their conditions with medications and lifestyle changes. Following a low carb diet, reducing weight, exercising and taking the prescribed medications on time have proven to be the winning mantra for women, who have been trying to conceive despite diabetes and PCOS.
In men following fertility diets, exercising regularly, cessation from narcotics, maintaining glucose levels, quiting alcohol and smoking have hugely helped men living with fertility to come on top of their conditions. Natural supplements prescribed by the doctors have also shown results in improving the quality of sperms and prevention from erectile dysfunction.
Act early and be a winner!
Research hints, the earlier one begins with the treatment of infertility, the better and the higher are the chances of defeating infertility from the root and stepping in the “world of parenthood” and enjoying simple joys of life.
Citations
Aspects of social organisations “Male infertility” Canterbury UK
Emotional aspects of infertility www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7037462
