How does diabetes affect fertility?

Diabetes, a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world, has an impact that goes beyond blood sugar levels. Although it is widely known for its cardiovascular, renal, and ocular complications, its effects on fertility are less discussed, but just as significant. In both men and women, diabetes can influence the ability to conceive, and understanding these effects is crucial for those who want to start a family.

The impact of diabetes on fertility is not homogeneous. Factors such as glycemic control, the type of diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational) and the duration of the disease play an important role.

Diabetes and Female Fertility: How Does It Affect Reproductive Health?

In women, diabetes can alter multiple aspects of the reproductive system:

1. Hormonal imbalance: Insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels can cause hormonal dysfunctions, including problems with ovulation. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles or even anovulation, making it difficult to conceive.
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to PCOS, a condition that affects ovulation and can complicate pregnancy.
3. Problems during pregnancy: Women with uncontrolled diabetes face an increased risk of miscarriage and complications such as preeclampsia. These situations can make it difficult to achieve a successful pregnancy.
4. Egg quality: High glucose levels can damage eggs, affecting their viability and reducing the chances of successful fertilization.

Recommended assisted fertilization treatments for women with diabetes

Women with diabetes may benefit from assisted fertilization treatments such as:

1. Controlled ovarian stimulation: Helps improve the chances of ovulation in women with irregular cycles.
2. Artificial insemination (AI): Works for women with adequate ovulation but mild fertility problems.
3. In vitro fertilization (IVF): It is highly effective for women with more significant complications, such as poor oocyte quality or advanced age. In these cases, IVF allows you to select the best embryos to transfer, increasing success rates.
4. Egg donation: In cases where egg quality is severely compromised, this may be a viable solution.

Chances of transmitting the disease to the baby

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have genetic components, so the baby may be at a higher risk of developing the disease in the future. According to studies, if the mother has type 1 diabetes, the risk is approximately 2-3%, while if it is type 2, the risk may be higher due to hereditary and environmental factors.

Diabetes and male fertility: effects on sperm quality

In men, diabetes also has direct implications on fertility:

1. Erectile dysfunction: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the likelihood of erectile dysfunction, a common problem in men with uncontrolled diabetes.
2. Alterations in sperm quality: Studies have shown that men with diabetes may have lower sperm concentration, reduced mobility, and an increase in sperm shape abnormalities. This can decrease the ability to fertilize an egg.
3. Sperm DNA damage: High blood sugar levels can lead to oxidative stress, damaging sperm DNA and affecting embryo quality.
4. Hormonal problems: Diabetes can lower testosterone levels, affecting libido and sperm production.

Assisted fertilization treatments recommended for men with diabetes

For men with diabetes, the most common assisted fertilization techniques include:

1. Artificial insemination (AI): In cases of mild problems with sperm motility or quantity.
2. In vitro fertilization (IVF) with ICSI: If there is damage to sperm DNA or significantly reduced sperm quality, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) allows a healthy sperm to be selected to fertilize the egg directly.
3. Sperm extraction: In cases of azoospermia (absence of sperm in the semen), sperm can be obtained directly from the testicles using surgical techniques.

Possibilities of transmission to the baby

In men, if the diabetes is type 1, the risk of passing on the genetic predisposition to the child is about 6%. For type 2 diabetes, the risk increases when both parents have the disease, due to genetic and lifestyle factors.

Diabetes is a condition that can significantly influence fertility in both men and women, but this does not mean that the dream of starting a family should be out of reach. Proper glucose control, specialized medical support, and in some cases, fertility treatments can make all the difference. At Fertivida, we understand the importance of addressing reproductive challenges from a holistic perspective. If you have questions about how diabetes may affect your fertility or want to explore options for conceiving, don’t hesitate to contact our team of specialists. We’re here to be with you every step of the way.