Infertility & Eating Disorders
Unfortunately infertility and problems with becoming pregnant are common among individuals suffering from eating disorders like Anorexia, Bulimia or Compulsive Overeating. Menstrual abnormalities experienced by women suffering from eating disorders can make pregnancy difficult. Studies have shown that women who are underweight or overweight have a significantly lower probability of conceiving than women who are at, or near, their ideal body weight. One study documented that 17 percent of patients seeking assistance at the infertility clinic being studied had a diagnosable eating disorder. In addition, women who engage in purging behavior also have difficulty with conception. Complicating the matter, many fertility specialists believe that psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, directly contribute to fertility problems. Women with eating disorders can experience the following problems associated with infertility and pregnancy:
- Amenorrhea
- Menstrual abnormalities
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Diminishment of ovaries
- Ovarian failure
- Non conducive uterine environment for implantation
- Reduced libido
- Infertility
- Increase in risk for hypertension for mother
- Miscarriages
- Oligomenorrhea
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Inadequate maternal weight
- Small size fetus for gestational period
- Premature births
- Perinatal mortality
- Increase in cesarean deliveries
- Breach presentation
- Low birth weights for infants
- Lower APGAR scores
- Increased neonatal morbidity
- Newborn feeding problems
- Insufficient lactation
- Increased failure to thrive during child's first year
- Increased postpartum depression
Through treatment and eventual recovery most, if not all, of the problems associated with eating disorders and infertility can be addressed, thus allowing the individual to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy and birth.