Cholesterol plays an important role in the human body. Its effects on cardiovascular health are something that has been studied a lot. However, there are a number of functions in our body that are affected by the normal level of cholesterol.
The body uses cholesterol to produce sex hormones such as testosterone, oestradiol, progesterone, etc. All of these hormones play an important role in the reproductive process in both men and women.
Increased levels of cholesterol lead to changes in these processes and can also interfere with the reproductive functions of both female fertility and male fertility, along with the ability to become pregnant, which makes it more difficult to achieve pregnancy.
Another thing that should be kept in mind is that high cholesterol often goes hand in hand with other factors such as excess body weight, a sedentary lifestyle, or smoking—factors that make it difficult to conceive both naturally and through the use of assisted reproduction techniques.
Normal Level of Cholesterol
In general, the normal level of cholesterol in the adult population would be classified as follows:
Total Cholesterol
- Healthy less than 200 mg/dL
- Limit 201-240 mg/dL
- High more than 240 mg/dL
Cholesterol LDL is called bad cholesterol
- Healthy less than 100 mg/dL
- Limit 101-130 mg/dL
- High more than 130 mg/dL
Cholesterol HDL is called "good cholesterol
It is different for men and women, and it is “a protector." This means that the more we have, the better. A healthy cholesterol level would be:
- Men > 40 mg/dL
- Women > 50 mg/dL
If the level of cholesterol is more than 300 mg/do, then hypercholesterolaemia of genetic cause is suspected.
Link between Cholesterol and Fertility
According to studies, couples with high cholesterol levels take longer to achieve pregnancy than those with normal cholesterol levels.
The same thing applies if one of the members of the couple has high cholesterol levels.
- Female fertility: In the case of women, studies have shown that high levels of cholesterol can make it difficult to become pregnant.
- Male fertility: In the case of men, studies have shown that high cholesterol levels affect semen quality. In addition, experimental studies have also confirmed the impact of a high-fat diet on testicular function and the improvement when olive oil is added.
- Controlling the levels of cholesterol is highly beneficial for our general health. And now we are also aware of its benefits for female fertility and male fertility.
- It is always recommended to evaluate your lifestyle habits and try to make them as healthy as possible before starting any assisted reproduction treatment in case your cholesterol levels are high.
Reasons behind the high level of cholesterol in pregnancy
During pregnancy, cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase, especially in the third trimester, and return to pre-pregnancy levels after delivery. This increase has been linked to placental hormone production, especially progesterone.
- High-level risks
Elevated cholesterol levels have been linked to preeclampsia development, gestational diabetes, and prematurity. There is no clear evidence of a negative impact on the baby.
Things to do to lower cholesterol levels during pregnancy
Drugs used for cholesterol control cannot be used during pregnancy and should not be started. If women are taking them before pregnancy, then they should stop taking them now.
Management is strictly conservative with a healthy diet based on the Mediterranean diet and exercise if the condition of the pregnancy does not contraindicate it (threat of miscarriage or premature birth, high blood pressure, etc.).
The recommended diet in pregnancy is composed of the following:
- Fresh vegetables (fruits and vegetables with antioxidant power, which counteracts the oxidative stress of high cholesterol).
- Legumes and cereals (preferably whole grains).
- Lean meats and fish (which provide fats such as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids).
- As part of the Mediterranean diet, it is important to consume olive oil.
- One should also avoid eating processed foods, as they are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Conclusion
In the end, High cholesterol levels can negatively impact fertility in both men and women. While cholesterol is essential for hormone production, imbalances can disrupt reproductive processes. For optimal reproductive health, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medical guidance is crucial. Couples struggling with fertility issues should consider cholesterol levels as a potential contributing factor and seek appropriate medical advice at Mannat Fertility Center, which is one of the best fertility centres in Bangalore.
