How can Diabetes Affects the Fertility of Male & Female

Diabetes can have adverse effects on fertility in both males and females. Learn how diabetes affects your fertility and the types and systems of diabetes.

How can Diabetes Affects the Fertility of Male & Female
Effects of Diabetes on Men & Women Fertility

Diabetes mellitus which is universally known as diabetes is a kind of metabolic disease in which the body is enabled to keep the blood sugar level in the normal range that causes high blood sugar in the patient. Generally, the hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. But with diabetes problem, the patient’s body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.

Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs of your body.

There are the following types:

  1. Type 1 diabetes,
  2. Type 2 diabetes,
  3. Prediabetes and
  4. Gestational diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

The general symptoms of diabetes include:

  1. increased hunger
  2. increased thirst
  3. weight loss
  4. frequent urination
  5. blurry vision
  6. extreme fatigue
  7. sores that don’t heal

Causes of diabetes

The general causes of diabetes include:

  1. Obesity
  2. Increasing age
  3. Bad diet
  4. Unhealthy lifestyle
  5. Genetic

Diabetes can even show negative effects on infertility both in men and women.

How does diabetes affect male fertility?

If the question arises in your mind that “can diabetes cause infertility in men?” the answer is that diabetes could be one of the causes of infertility in men. The sperm quality of diabetic men has been found to be lower than that of a normal man. 

Sexual dysfunction: Diabetes reduces the ability to maintain an erection in men, which leads to infertility.

Decreased libido: Lack of glucose (the only source of energy for the brain) in certain areas of the brain may cause fatigue, weakness, and less sexual drive in men.

How does diabetes affect female fertility?        

Diabetes problem can make it complicated for the female to get pregnant, especially if they have had the diabetes problem for many years. Actually, diabetes causes a lack of glucose control in the human body, and this could make the implantation of the fertile egg in the uterus difficult. Also, diabetic women sometimes may be overweight – this contributes to infertility problems too. Diabetes of both types can cause infertility problems in women. However, the woman can get pregnant after proper glycemic control.

Genitourinary infections: Diabetic women are more vulnerable to infection and damage to reproductive organs, especially, fallopian tubes.

Pregnancy complications: High blood glucose levels can cause miscarriage or congenital defects in the fetus of women. Amplified blood glucose and excessive nutrition for the growing fetus resulting in macrosomia (big baby syndrome).

Decreased libido: Because of tiredness, depression, and anxiety most diabetic women have decreased sexual desire. Due to less vaginal lubrication, women may experience pain and discomfort during sex.

FAQs

1. Can diabetic partners try to conceive?

Of course, even though diabetes and infertility are correlated, the risks involved can be mitigated in most cases by making a number of lifestyle changes – it is that simple.

2. Can a baby inherit diabetes from the mother?

If the diabetes of the mother is not well controlled, the baby is exposed to higher amounts of glucose as a result – this can have an effect on the health of the child. 

If you are following a healthy lifestyle but still are struggling to conceive, schedule an appointment or contact us today.