Body Mass Index and Fertility

a blog by Beth Hartog, M.D., Damien Fertility Partners, June 9, 2012

Your BMI or Body Mass Index is calculated from weight and height. You can search the internet and find a BMI calculator to figure your BMI.

A normal BMI is between 19 and 25. There are adverse effects on health because of an abnormal BMI. Overweight and underweight individuals are both at risk; and an abnormal BMI can affect your chance of conceiving.

Reproductive hormones are stored in body fat and having too much or too little fat will affect hormone dynamics in your body. If you are just starting down the path to the fertility doctor, you should be thinking about getting your BMI to the ideal spot. If you have been on the fertility journey for a while, taking a step back and getting your BMI to the ideal number may help turn multiple failed treatments into a successful treatment or even a success without treatment!