Free call 0800 52 00 161 / Existing patients: 0207 078 4868
Patient Portal
UK
Brasil Chile Deutschland España France International Italia Panamá Portugal Russia UK

50% off our Diagnostic Package

Book Now
IVI UK
    • Fertility diagnosis

      • The IVI Diagnostic Pack
      • MUMS² Pack
      • Fertility Assessments
      • Starting Fertility Treatment
    • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

      • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
      • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
      • Reciprocal IVF
      • Egg Donation
      • Preserving Fertility
    • OUR RESULTS

      • Success Rates
    • ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

      • Causes of Infertility
      • Your First Visit
      • Fertility Treatment After 40
      • Fertility Treatment for Single Women
      • Fertility treatment for LGBTQ+ couples
      • Endometriosis
      • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Guide
      • Events on demand
    • ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

      • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
      • EmbryoScope
      • Vitrification of oocytes
    • GENETIC TESTS

      • PGT-A / PGS
      • PGT-M / PGT-SR
  • Prices
    • UK

      • London
    • Donor Programme Overseas

      • Egg Donation Program in Spain
  • Services for NHS Patients
    • SPECIALISTS

      • Medical team
    • CONTENTS

      • Blog
      • The Language of fertility
      • Press room
      • Why Choose IVI
Make an appointment
  • Fertility diagnosis

    • The IVI Diagnostic Pack
    • MUMS² Pack
    • Fertility Assessments
    • Starting Fertility Treatment
  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

    • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
    • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
    • Reciprocal IVF
    • Egg Donation
    • Preserving Fertility
  • OUR RESULTS

    • Success Rates
  • ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

    • Causes of Infertility
    • Your First Visit
    • Fertility Treatment After 40
    • Fertility Treatment for Single Women
    • Fertility treatment for LGBTQ+ couples
    • Endometriosis
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Guide
    • Events on demand
  • ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

    • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
    • EmbryoScope
    • Vitrification of oocytes
  • GENETIC TESTS

    • PGT-A / PGS
    • PGT-M / PGT-SR
Prices
  • UK

    • London
  • Donor Programme Overseas

    • Egg Donation Program in Spain
Services for NHS Patients
  • SPECIALISTS

    • Medical team
  • CONTENTS

    • Blog
    • The Language of fertility
    • Press room
    • Why Choose IVI
Free call
Request information
16 November 2023

High cholesterol can affect the fertility of both men and women

High cholesterol can affect fertility
Home Blog High cholesterol can affect the fertility of both men and women
By the Editorial Committee IVI Blog

Hypercholesterolemia, which means high cholesterol, can impact the reproductive capacity of both men and women. In women, it can disrupt hormones, making fertilisation difficult. In men, it can reduce seminal volume and affect morphology. Throughout this article, we will explore how high cholesterol can can affect fertility and pose a challenge to achieving pregnancy.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The Relationship between High Cholesterol and Fertility
  • Recommended Cholesterol Levels for Pregnancy 
  • How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels to Enhance Fertility?
    • A Varied Diet
    • Regular Exercise
    • Quitting Bad Habits
    • Regular Blood Tests
  • Personalised Treatments at IVI 

The Relationship between High Cholesterol and Fertility

The effect of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) on the population is widely recognised in society. Its most well-known consequence is its association with many cardiovascular diseases. However, it is not as commonly known that cholesterol can be an enemy of fertility, both in women and men. While it is not a direct cause of infertility, increased cholesterol levels are associated with unhealthy habits, hypertension, and obesity, among other factors. These increase the likelihood of natural fertilisation not occurring.

Cholesterol is related to steroid hormones, which influence reproductive capacity. This lipid is a precursor to hormones such as oestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, all of which play a role in reproduction as they are synthesized in the cells of the testicles and ovaries.

Recommended Cholesterol Levels for Pregnancy 

In women, high levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can lead to hormonal imbalances that make fertilisation and successful pregnancy more difficult. In men, it can result in a lower quantity of sperm with poorer quality or sperm with abnormal morphology. If both partners have hypercholesterolemia, especially when accompanied by other risk factors, the chances of taking longer to achieve pregnancy increase.

Oestrogens are involved in the process of fat metabolism, helping to produce the socially known “good” cholesterol (HDL). This type of cholesterol is beneficial for health, as receptors for this lipid are found in the ovaries. Therefore, it is advisable to have values above 35 mg/dl in men and above 40 mg/dl in women for this type of cholesterol.

How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels to Enhance Fertility?

On World Heart Day, we want to emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to benefit cardiovascular health and hormonal balance. This will, in turn, increase the chances of achieving pregnancy.

A Varied Diet

The Mediterranean diet is the most recommended, as it is rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish. It is also important to avoid processed foods with high levels of salt or sugar.

Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity and leading an active daily life, including activities like walking or taking the stairs.

Quitting Bad Habits

Such as smoking or alcohol, even if consumed only occasionally.

Regular Blood Tests

Regular medical check-ups will help monitor lipid levels in the blood, especially for individuals with a tendency towards high cholesterol levels, diabetes, or hypertension.

Personalised Treatments at IVI 

Cholesterol levels are an additional indicator considered in the initial consultation and evaluation of each patient, followed by developing of a personalised treatment plan. Similarly, before starting assisted reproduction treatment, it is always recommended to maintain the healthiest possible lifestyle, as it forms the best foundation for addressing fertility issues.

Related posts:

  1. Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea infections can lead to infertility
  2. Hope for women with premature ovarian failure
  3. How does smoking tobacco damage fertility?
  4. Endometrial Hyperplasia: Symptoms and Treatment
Featured articles
Cramps but No Period: Possible causes
3 August 2023
Cramps but No Period: Possible causes
How early can you take a pregnancy test?
10 May 2023
How early can you take a pregnancy test?
Infertility: Why don’t more people talk about it?
3 April 2020
Infertility: Why don’t more people talk about it?
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Pregnant at 40
1 February 2018
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Pregnant at 40
Assisted reproduction treatments
  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
  • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
  • Egg Donation
  • Donor Programme Overseas

  • Fertility Clinics
  • Clinic IVI London
  • Request more information, no obligation

    Sending

    Thank you,

    One of our agents will contact you shortly. Meanwhile, have a look at our Virtual Events on Demand, in which you can find exclusive content about the fertility treatments we offer.

    Access the fertility days

    Comments are closed here.

    Experts in fertility

    • Infertility Treatments
    • The IVI Diagnostic Pack
    • IVI London
    • FAQs

    Learn about us

    • Corporate information
    • IVIRMA Global Education
    • IVIRMA Innovation
    • Jobs at IVI
    • Legal Notice
    • Cookies Policy
    • Complaints policy
    • Treatment Terms & Conditions
    • logo
    • logo
    • logo
    • logo
    • logo

    Head Offices

    • Calle Colón 1, 4ª planta, 46004 Valencia. España.

    London Clinic

    • 83 Wimpole Street W1G 9RQ - London