Eating disorders and fertility?

[Thelostchild]

I have had an eating disorder for 6 years, but am recovered with a few relaps, My parenter of one year and I are not using any methods of birthcontrol and I havent gotten pregnant. A im infertile because of my ed ?

 

[Andy]

Re: question

I often wondered that about myself too lostchild but I think that is only something a doctor can tell you. It may just be that you just haven't become pregnant yet. If your trying to become pregnant maybe it would be a good idea to book an appointment with a fertility specialist or even just get a referral from your regular doctor.

 

[suewatters1]

Re: question

Yes a DR can order blood work done to see if you are ovulating also if you are ovulating then your partner may have to be check to see if his sperm count is good.

Good luck

Sue

 

[Thelostchild]

Re: question

I would love to book an appointment but, unfortunatly my employer's insurance is way to expensive for me. But true a fertility doc would be good to see

 

[forgetmenot]

Re: question

Your family doc will give you some information hun on how eating disorders can affect menstral cycle thus affecting your ability to get pregnant Talk to your doc okay who will have the best answers for you hugs

 

[Banned]

Re: question

And keep in mind there are numerous reasons why you may not have yet conceived, including but not limited to your eating disorder. If you haven't had a physical exam lately this might be a good time to do so. I believe a fertility specialist would be significantly more expensive that your GP, so your GP might be a good place to start and s/he may be able to identify the underlying issue.

Also, if you're not already, start charting your cycles and if you can tell with your own body, when you might be ovulating. There are also some half-decent over the counter tests that can help you to know when you're ovulating to increase the chances you will become pregnant if it's just a matter of timing. The more info you can bring to your doctor, the more bang you'll get for your buck.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

As others have noted, there are many factors related to fertility and infertility but certainly body weight, both being under weight and being overweight, can be factors.

In part, this may be because having very low amounts of body fat hinder the storage of hormones necessary for normal cycles.

See:

Fertility and body weight

Can weight impact your ability to get pregnant? - TODAY Health - TODAY.com

Female Infertility: How does my body weight affect my fertility?

Fertility and Weight - The Connection Between Fertility and Weight

Infertility and eating disorders. [Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990] - PubMed - NCBI

Pregnancy and Eating Disorders : American Pregnancy Association : American Pregnancy Association

Eating disorders and fertility research

Eating Disorders and Fertility

 

[Thelostchild]

Wow, David thanks for all the links.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

You're welcome.