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How medical conditions can affect fertility
Medical conditions can affect pregnancy chances in different ways. Some conditions make it harder to ovulate, fertilise an egg, or implant a pregnancy in the womb. Others can affect sperm quality, hormone levels, or overall health.
For some people, the effect is temporary and improves with treatment. For others, the condition may need long-term management before trying to conceive. In many cases, getting the condition under control can improve the chances of getting pregnant.
Common conditions in women
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders can all affect fertility. PCOS may disrupt ovulation, which makes it harder to predict fertile days. Endometriosis can cause inflammation and scarring that may affect the reproductive system.
Hormone-related problems can also make conception less likely. An underactive or overactive thyroid can interfere with periods and ovulation. Conditions like diabetes may affect fertility too, especially if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
Common conditions in men
Fertility is not only about women’s health, as medical conditions in men can also play a role. Varicocele, infections, hormone problems, and some chronic illnesses can reduce sperm count or affect sperm movement. This may lower the chance of fertilisation.
Some medications and treatments, including certain cancer treatments, can also affect sperm production. In some cases, fertility may improve after treatment ends, but this is not always guaranteed. A GP can help assess whether a condition or treatment may be affecting fertility.
Other health factors that matter
Long-term conditions such as obesity, autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, and some mental health conditions may also influence pregnancy chances. This can happen directly, or through medicines used to treat the condition. Lifestyle factors linked to health conditions, such as smoking or poor sleep, may add to the impact.
Age is another important factor alongside medical conditions. Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after the mid-30s, so existing health issues may have a greater effect over time. This is why early advice can be useful if you have a known condition.
When to get help
If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success, or for six months if you are over 35, speak to your GP. If you already have a medical condition, it may be worth seeking advice sooner. Your GP can review your health, medicines, and any tests or referrals you may need.
NHS fertility services may be available depending on your area and circumstances. A doctor can also help you manage the condition safely before pregnancy. Getting personalised advice can improve your chances and help you plan a healthier pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common conditions that can affect getting pregnant chances include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, obesity, pelvic inflammatory disease, and certain ovulation or sperm-related problems.
Polycystic ovary syndrome can reduce getting pregnant chances by causing irregular or absent ovulation, making it harder to predict fertile windows and conceive naturally.
Endometriosis can affect getting pregnant chances by causing inflammation, scarring, or blocked fallopian tubes, all of which may interfere with fertilization and implantation.
Both underactive and overactive thyroid disorders can disrupt ovulation, menstrual regularity, and early pregnancy support, which can lower getting pregnant chances if not treated.
Uncontrolled diabetes can affect getting pregnant chances by disrupting hormone balance, ovulation, and overall reproductive health, though good blood sugar control can improve outcomes.
Obesity can lower getting pregnant chances by affecting hormone levels, ovulation, egg quality, and sperm function, and it can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Being underweight can reduce getting pregnant chances because low body fat may disrupt hormone production and ovulation, leading to irregular or absent periods.
Irregular periods can lower getting pregnant chances because they often signal irregular ovulation, making it more difficult to identify the fertile time and conceive.
Untreated sexually transmitted infections can reduce getting pregnant chances by damaging the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, or sperm quality, and by causing pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can greatly affect getting pregnant chances by causing scar tissue and tubal damage, which may block the egg from meeting the sperm.
Age affects getting pregnant chances because fertility generally declines over time, especially after the mid-30s, due to reduced egg quantity and quality and increased pregnancy risks.
Autoimmune diseases can affect getting pregnant chances by interfering with hormone regulation, ovulation, implantation, or pregnancy maintenance, depending on the condition and treatment.
Uterine fibroids can affect getting pregnant chances if they change the shape of the uterus, block the fallopian tubes, or interfere with implantation, especially when they are large or numerous.
Some cancer treatments can affect getting pregnant chances by reducing egg supply, harming the uterus or ovaries, or lowering sperm production, though fertility preservation may help in some cases.
Hormone imbalances can affect getting pregnant chances by disrupting ovulation, cycle regularity, and the uterine lining, making conception less predictable or less likely.
Kidney diseases can affect getting pregnant chances by altering hormone levels, menstrual cycles, and general health, which may reduce fertility and make pregnancy more complex.
Liver diseases can affect getting pregnant chances by disturbing hormone metabolism and menstrual function, and severe liver disease may also make pregnancy higher risk.
Mental health conditions can affect getting pregnant chances indirectly through stress, sleep disruption, medication effects, and changes in sexual health or cycle regularity.
Someone should see a doctor about medical conditions impact on getting pregnant chances if they have been trying to conceive for 12 months, or for 6 months if they are over 35, or sooner if they have known medical conditions or irregular cycles.
Yes, treatment can often improve medical conditions impact on getting pregnant chances by managing the underlying condition, restoring ovulation, correcting hormone problems, or addressing structural issues.
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