Infertility

[admin]

Infertility

Unfortunately infertility and problems with becoming pregnant are common among individuals suffering from eating disorders. Menstrual abnormalities experienced by women suffering from eating disorders can make pregnancy difficult. Studies have shown that women who are underweight or overweight have significantly lower probability of conceiving than women who are at or near their ideal body weight. One study documented that 17 percent of patients seeking assistance at the infertility clinic being studied had a diagnosable eating disorder. In addition, women who engage in purging behavior also have difficulty with conception. Complicating the matter, many fertility specialists believe that psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, directly contribute to fertility problems. Women with eating disorders can experience the following problems associated with infertility and pregnancy:

Amenorrhea
Menstrual abnormalities
Hormonal abnormalities
Diminishment of ovaries
Ovarian failure
Non conducive uterine environment for implantation
Reduced libido
Infertility
Increase in risk for hypertension for mother
Miscarriages
Oligomenorrhea
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Inadequate maternal weight
Small size fetus for gestational period
Premature births
Perinatal mortality
Increase in cesarean deliveries
Breach presentation
Low birth weights for infants
Lower APGAR scores
Increased neonatal morbidity
Newborn feeding problems
Insufficient lactation
Increased failure to thrive during child's first year
Increased postpartum depression

Through treatment and eventual recovery most if not all of the problems associated with eating disorders and infertility can be addressed, thus allowing the individual to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy and birth.
http://www.raderprograms.com/infertility.htm