Body Mass Index (BMI) can be a sensitive topic and one which often sparks debate, posing the question, "What does my weight have to do with my fertility?"
At Essential Fertility®, we aim to provide patients with a comprehensive understanding of BMI so you know just how many different aspects of your health can impact fertility. We want to educate potential patients to take control of the variable aspects of IVF success, where possible.
Understanding BMI:
BMI is a numerical value based on weight and height. It is a simplified measure designed to make calculating body mass easier without the need for complex medical information or equipment.
"Considering BMI in your IVF journey is vital for understanding weight's impact on fertility. While it's a helpful indicator, remember it's not the whole story. We use it as a guidance tool to assess suitability for the Essential programme. Here at Essential Fertility, we are here to help. Together, we'll navigate this journey with care and balance."
Sister Samantha Potts – Head of Nursing
Taking simple measurements to indicate body mass allows patients to understand their current BMI. This is one of the first measures the team at Essential Fertility will ask patients to confirm in order to be eligible for treatment. Why? Achieving a balanced BMI is often considered beneficial for optimising fertility and increasing the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. BMI is often calculated during a fertility assessment by a member of our senior fertility nursing team.
What effect does BMI have on the success of IVF treatments?
If your BMI is outside of a healthy range, you might have difficulty conceiving naturally or conceiving with assisted reproductive technologies. A BMI out of a healthy range can cause issues such as hormonal imbalances, impacting ovulation and menstrual regularity in women and reducing sperm quality in men.
How to Maintain a Healthy BMI
At Manchester Fertility, we recognise that certain medical conditions can contribute to weight gain. In these cases, you will need to visit a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. For those without medical conditions, there are different ways to achieve and maintain a healthy BMI for optimal fertility.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive intake of saturated fats.
Take Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help manage weight and improve overall health.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support metabolic functions. Limit sugary beverages and alcohol, which can contribute to excess calorie intake.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalised guidance on nutrition, exercise, and weight management tailored to your individual needs and fertility goals.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impact hormone levels and contribute to weight gain. To support emotional well-being, practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or therapy.
Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritise getting enough quality sleep each night, as inadequate sleep can disrupt hormone regulation and metabolism, potentially affecting weight management.
Track Progress: Keep track of your progress towards achieving a healthy BMI by monitoring weight changes, dietary habits, and physical activity levels. Adjust your lifestyle habits to maintain a healthy weight for fertility treatment success.
The Optimal BMI for Essential IVF:
Patients with a balanced BMI are more likely to respond favourably to fertility medications, produce higher-quality eggs, and experience fewer complications during pregnancy. By incorporating BMI criteria, Essential Fertility seeks to enhance the effectiveness of our nurse-led IVF/ICSI and increase the chances of successful pregnancies.
To be eligible for Essential IVF® or ICSI, we ask patients to be within a BMI range of 18 – 32.
Calculating your BMI:
There are many apps and websites that will help you calculate your BMI. For example, the NHS calculator can be used to determine your BMI. You can also check your BMI by heading to 'Get Started' – our appointment form has a built-in BMI calculator.
If your BMI is outside the Essential Fertility criteria, don't worry, we can recommend ways to improve it to get within our range and ready for treatment. We also have our Manchester Fertility pathway for those outside the Essential Fertility eligibility criteria, should you need further assistance.
If you are considering affordable IVF and want to discuss your options, call us on 0345 646 1778. Alternatively, you can request a callback from our friendly team or make an appointment to see one of our senior fertility nurses.
