Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Couples Who Live With Chronic Health Conditions Do Not Have To Rule Out Parenthood, Says Doctor

For many couples managing lifelong medical conditions, the fear of infertility often feels unavoidable. But fertility specialists say modern reproductive medicine has changed that reality.

Dr Rupali Tambe, Fertility Specialist at Nova <span>IVF</span> Fertility, Lullanagar, Pune, told Health and Me that chronic illness no longer automatically closes the door to parenthood.

“Couples living with a chronic health condition do not have to rule out parenthood,” she says. “IVF can offer hope with the right planning and care.”

She notes that millions of pregnancies worldwide have been achieved through in vitro fertilization, including among patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, hypertension, asthma and autoimmune diseases.

<h2>How Chronic Illness Affects Fertility</h2>

Chronic diseases can influence fertility in multiple ways, affecting both partners and every stage of conception.

“Uncontrolled diabetes can impact egg quality, implantation and pregnancy outcomes,” Dr Tambe explains. “Similarly, thyroid imbalance may interfere with ovulation and increase miscarriage risk if untreated.”

Women with PCOS may respond excessively to fertility medications and require carefully adjusted doses to prevent complications. Cardiovascular or high blood pressure conditions also need specialist supervision because hormone stimulation places additional stress on the body.

Autoimmune disorders bring another layer of complexity. “They may affect implantation or early pregnancy and often need tailored treatment plans,” she adds.

Male fertility can also be affected. Diabetes and hormonal disorders may reduce sperm quality, but treatment of the underlying condition can improve IVF success rates.

The first step before starting IVF is stabilizing the medical condition.

“The couple should undergo evaluation and ensure the condition is well controlled,” Dr Tambe says. “Medication adjustments are sometimes necessary because certain long-term medicines are not safe during fertility treatment or pregnancy.”

She strongly advises against self-medication. “Follow the expert’s recommendation before taking any medicine.”

Lifestyle also plays a key role in improving outcomes.

Patients are encouraged to adopt a nutrient-rich diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentils while avoiding processed and oily foods. Daily exercise, stress reduction practices like yoga and meditation, and around eight hours of sleep help both fertility and disease control.

Close monitoring remains crucial throughout IVF cycles.

“Regular follow-ups, blood tests, scans and health checks help detect problems early and keep treatment safe,” Dr Tambe explains.

Because hormone therapy can affect metabolism, blood pressure and immune responses, doctors track the body’s reaction carefully and modify treatment if needed.

This personalized approach has significantly improved safety for patients previously considered high-risk.

<h2>A Journey That Requires Teamwork</h2>

Dr Tambe emphasizes that IVF for patients with chronic illness is not just a procedure but a coordinated medical process.

“For individuals living with long-term health issues, IVF is a journey that requires patience, teamwork and informed care,” she says. “Manage the chronic condition and parenthood can become achievable.”

With careful planning, expert supervision and lifestyle discipline, many couples can safely pursue pregnancy despite medical challenges.

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For many couples managing lifelong medical conditions, the fear of infertility often feels unavoidable. But fertility specialists say modern reproductive medicine has changed that reality.Dr Rupali Tambe, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Lullanagar, Pune, told Health and Me that chronic illness no longer automatically closes the door to parenthood.“Couples living with a chronic health condition do not have to rule out parenthood,” she says. “IVF can offer hope with the right planning and care.”She notes that millions of pregnancies worldwide have been achieved through in vitro fertilization, including among patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, hypertension, asthma and autoimmune diseases.How Chronic Illness Affects FertilityChronic diseases can influence fertility in multiple ways, affecting both partners and every stage of conception.“Uncontrolled diabetes can impact egg quality, implantation and pregnancy outcomes,” Dr Tambe explains. “Similarly, thyroid imbalance may interfere with ovulation and increase miscarriage risk if untreated.”Women with PCOS may respond excessively to fertility medications and require carefully adjusted doses to prevent complications. Cardiovascular or high blood pressure conditions also need specialist supervision because hormone stimulation places additional stress on the body.Autoimmune disorders bring another layer of complexity. “They may affect implantation or early pregnancy and often need tailored treatment plans,” she adds.Male fertility can also be affected. Diabetes and hormonal disorders may reduce sperm quality, but treatment of the underlying condition can improve IVF success rates.Preparing Safely For IVFThe first step before starting IVF is stabilizing the medical condition.“The couple should undergo evaluation and ensure the condition is well controlled,” Dr Tambe says. “Medication adjustments are sometimes necessary because certain long-term medicines are not safe during fertility treatment or pregnancy.”She strongly advises against self-medication. “Follow the expert’s recommendation before taking any medicine.”Lifestyle also plays a key role in improving outcomes.Patients are encouraged to adopt a nutrient-rich diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentils while avoiding processed and oily foods. Daily exercise, stress reduction practices like yoga and meditation, and around eight hours of sleep help both fertility and disease control.Monitoring During TreatmentClose monitoring remains crucial throughout IVF cycles.“Regular follow-ups, blood tests, scans and health checks help detect problems early and keep treatment safe,” Dr Tambe explains.Because hormone therapy can affect metabolism, blood pressure and immune responses, doctors track the body’s reaction carefully and modify treatment if needed.This personalized approach has significantly improved safety for patients previously considered high-risk.A Journey That Requires TeamworkDr Tambe emphasizes that IVF for patients with chronic illness is not just a procedure but a coordinated medical process.“For individuals living with long-term health issues, IVF is a journey that requires patience, teamwork and informed care,” she says. “Manage the chronic condition and parenthood can become achievable.”With careful planning, expert supervision and lifestyle discipline, many couples can safely pursue pregnancy despite medical challenges.