For couples who are struggling to conceive, it may be surprising to find out that there is a link between infertility and heart disease. While there is no evidence that one causes the other, there is a strong correlation between men and women who struggle with infertility and then go on to develop heart disease later in life. The fertility experts UNC Fertility’s Raleigh-Durham fertility clinic are here to shed some light on the connection between heart disease and infertility – and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease if you are infertile.
Infertility As A Reflection of General Health
For couples who experience infertility, the diagnosis can be a red flag that you may have other health issues as well. For both men and women, infertility has been linked to an increased risk of developing chronic conditions later in life. This impacts men more heavily than women – men face a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and substance abuse problems if they are also infertile.
Underlying health issues can also be uncovered during the extensive testing couples undergo when starting fertility treatment. Many men and women never even considered the possibility of developing a metabolic disease until after they’ve undergone a full fertility workup as they provide patients with valuable information about their current overall health and potential future concerns.
For more information on the connection between chronic diseases and infertility, contact the fertility doctors at UNC Fertility at 919-908-0000.
Infertility and Heart Disease Are Linked to PCOS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most common causes of infertility among women. PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles, problems ovulating, hair loss, insulin issues, acne, and even depression. Women with PCOS are also more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol (in addition to causing weight gain), putting them at even higher risk for heart disease. If left untreated, PCOS can have long term consequences for a woman’s health.
If you think you may have PCOS and would like to learn about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with the North Carolina fertility specialists at UNC Fertility.
How To Lower Your Risk
While some men and women are genetically pre-disposed to certain conditions, everyone can work towards making better lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing heart disease. Adopting a heart healthy lifestyle – healthy diet, exercising regularly, and learning how to manage your stress – can help mitigate your chances of developing health issues. Making these small changes are a great way to lower your risk for heart disease, improve fertility, and increase overall wellness and health.
While there is a link between infertility and heart disease, the fertility testing many infertile men and women undergo can provide them with valuable information about their general health. Schedule an appointment with one of our Raleigh fertility doctors today by calling us at 919-908-0000.