Fatty liver is often considered a metabolic disease, but its effects are not limited to the liver but also affect fertility in both men and women.
According to Dr. Gurpreet Batra, senior consultant, specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Hospital Group, Ludhiana (India), non-alcoholic fatty liver occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, often related to obesity, insulin resistance and unreasonable diet. This condition is increasingly common in people of reproductive age.
In women, fatty liver is closely related to endocrine imbalance and metabolic disorders. Insulin resistance can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. In addition, prolonged low-level inflammation can also affect egg quality and implantation ability.
Fatty liver is also often accompanied by polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the common causes of difficulty conceiving. When these two conditions coexist, the risk of reduced fertility increases due to the effects of hormones and ovarian function.
In men, fatty liver can also affect fertility through many mechanisms. Metabolic disorders can reduce testosterone levels. At the same time, oxidative stress can affect sperm quality, including mobility and morphology. These changes reduce the ability to conceive naturally.
In addition, fatty liver often comes with problems such as obesity, diabetes, increasing negative effects on the reproductive system. These factors can have a simultaneous impact, making improving fertility more difficult if not intervened early.
Fatty liver can be improved if lifestyle is adjusted. Weight control, maintaining a balanced diet, increasing exercise and controlling blood sugar can help improve metabolic function. These changes can support ovulation recovery in women and improve sperm quality in men.
Fatty liver is not only a liver disease but can also affect fertility. Early detection and lifestyle changes play an important role in protecting long-term reproductive health.
