Effects of chronic illnesses on fertility

Chronic illnesses can have an effect on the body . Some of these conditions can even cause  weight loss  and interfere with ovulation. Thyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can stop ovulation.

Other chronic illnesses such as chronic liver and kidney disease can interfere with the functioning of the pituitary gland  and impair infertility.

Drugs used to treat some of the illnesses can affect fertility. If you are taking any medication, see your OBGYN before trying to get pregnant to make sure they are safe to take during pregnancy.

Steroids used to sometimes treat asthma and lupus are usually safe to take if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. However if you have high blood pressure, your medication may need to be switched to one that is safe to take during pregnancy.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer, talk to a fertility specialist to make sure there is something you need to do to improve  your chances of getting pregnant in future. If you are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, you may be able to take hormones to stop you from ovulating during treatment. This will improve your chances of conceiving later on.  You can also have the option of a chemotherapy drug that is gentler on the reproductive system.

Some women also freeze their eggs that have been fertilized by their partner’s sperms before treatment.