When couples struggle to conceive, they usually think of hormone imbalances, advancing age, or lifestyle problems. But did you ever imagine that the real hindrance could be something as silent as chronic inflammation? It does not make headlines like PCOS or low sperm count, yet it silently disrupts the reproductive system in both men and women. And yes, it could be standing between you and your dream of parenthood.Inflammation is More Than Just SwellingDr. Rupali Tambe, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Lullanagar, explains that chronic inflammation is increasingly being linked to infertility. “Some conditions, such as infections, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are marked by inflammation. This can impact the uterus and cervix, ultimately reducing the chances of conception,” she says.Inflammation is like the body’s fire alarm. It is helpful when you have hurt yourself or caught an infection. But when the alarm does not switch off, the body is stuck in a low-level state of stress, which can interfere with ovulation, sperm production, and even implantation.The Science of Why It Affects FertilityAccording to Dr. Mandavi Rai, Senior Fertility and IVF Specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Noida, the trouble goes deeper than you think. “Chronic inflammation due to conditions like PCOS, autoimmune diseases, poor diet, or stress can impact the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus in women. In men, it damages sperm production, count, and motility,” she points out.For women, this could mean poor egg quality, scarring of the fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances that block ovulation. For men, issues like orchitis (testicular inflammation) or varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) can heat things up. Higher testicular temperature disrupts sperm formation, leaving fewer healthy swimmers.Can Diet Calm the Fire?You do not have to live with inflammation forever. Dr. Tambe says that studies suggest an anti-inflammatory diet may boost pregnancy rates in women and even improve sperm quality in men.An anti-inflammatory diet would include foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, berries, mushrooms, leafy greens, tomatoes, yoghurt, and even kimchi. Avocados, turmeric, ginger, kale, and green tea also make the cut. These foods are packed with antioxidants and healthy fats that cool inflammation naturally.And Dr. Tambe advises skipping processed, fried, and sugary foods. That means saying no to French fries, pizzas, pastries, namkeens (salty mixtures), and fizzy drinks. Basically, if it comes in a packet or is dripping with oil, it is not doing your fertility any favours.Beyond Food Choices Food is not the only reason here. Dr. Rai stresses that daily exercise, quitting smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight are essential. “Regular activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga reduce inflammation markers in the body and improve reproductive health,” she says.Do not forget stress. Chronic stress itself is a proven inflammation trigger. Meditation, deep breathing, or just unplugging from your phone for an hour a day can help quiet your nervous system. And yes, quality sleep, at least 7 to 8 hours, acts as nature’s best anti-inflammatory pill.When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t EnoughSometimes, lifestyle fixes and diets cannot tackle severe inflammation. That is when medical interventions step in. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics (for infections), or hormonal treatments may be prescribed by specialists.For couples facing stubborn infertility, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF or ICSI can provide hope. “Women with infertility who followed an anti-inflammatory diet during IVF had better pregnancy outcomes compared to those who didn’t,” Dr. Tambe says.Infertility is rarely caused by a single factor, but chronic inflammation is an under-recognised condition. The right mix of an anti-inflammatory diet, lifestyle changes, and expert care can make all the difference.
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