Does BMI really affect fertility?
Some women who are underweight or obese will have difficulty getting pregnant, and this is generally due to the ovaries failing to release an egg (ovulation disorders). Obesity can result in irregular periods (menstrual cycles) and insufficient ovulation.
Being underweight (BMI less than 18.5) might diminish a woman’s fertility by generating hormonal imbalances that impact ovulation and the likelihood of becoming pregnant. Women who are underweight are more likely than healthy-weight women to take more than a year to become pregnant.
Does BMI affect ovulation?
Ovulation is one of the key reasons why being overweight might affect fertility. Obesity can induce irregular menstrual periods or, in extreme cases, prevent a woman from ovulating and having a monthly period at all. Irregular cycles can make ovulation timing more difficult.