The Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Fertility
Presented by our doctor, Oleksandra Kozyra:
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin (the protein that transports oxygen) due to a lack of iron (Fe). It is the Fe in hemoglobin that binds oxygen and transports it through the blood. Less Fe means less oxygen reaches the organs.
The symptoms of anemia can include:
✔️ General weakness, fatigue, dizziness, up to fainting
✔️ Pale or bluish skin tone
✔️ Brittle nails, hair loss
✔️ Impaired sense of smell and taste
✔️ Shortness of breath during moderate physical activity, and in severe cases, even at rest
And also a decrease in fertility, because
🔹 Oocyte maturation and ovulation are disrupted
🔹 The quality of oocytes decreases
🔹 Ovarian hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) occurs.
According to research, with a deficiency of Fe, the likelihood of getting pregnant is reduced by 60%!
The effectiveness of IVF significantly decreases, and the risks during procedures and interventions that accompany the path to parenthood increase.
If a pregnancy does occur, anaemia can lead to premature birth, slowed infant development, or perinatal death (in utero or during the first days of life).
It is very difficult to increase the level of Fe (and haemoglobin) during pregnancy, as the conditional “consumption” increases by 2.8-3.4 times.
About 40% of women with fertility problems have a latent iron deficiency. This is a condition where there is no anaemia yet, but the body’s Fe stores are depleted.
Therefore, every woman of reproductive age (and especially those who are planning a pregnancy or IVF) should check whether they have iron deficiency anaemia: take a complete blood count and ferritin level. Early diagnosis and effective prevention, including a balanced nutrition, are important.
The highest levels of Fe are found in beef and pork liver, red meat, offal, cheeses, buckwheat, legumes, spinach, and broccoli. Find out more about ferritin and diet in our profile. If you have been diagnosed with anaemia, your doctor will help you choose a treatment.
Note how closely all processes in the body are interconnected! Therefore, it is extremely important to undergo a comprehensive examination when planning a pregnancy and preparing for IVF.
Are you interested in learning about the impact of other diseases on a woman’s reproductive function? Write in the comments + and our doctors will tell you more!