Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly perceived as a lung condition resulting from prolonged exposure to pollutants, smoking, biomass fuel, or occupational hazards.
However, what a lot of people fail to understand is that COPD significantly affects the body in more profound ways, particularly concerning reproductive health.
Emerging studies show that:
- Women with COPD are at a higher risk of infertility, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal imbalance.
- A history of infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth was substantially linked with a higher risk of COPD compared to no miscarriages or stillbirths. The risk increased with the number of losses or stillbirths (HR, 1.36 for ≥3 miscarriages and 1.67 for ≥2 stillbirths).
- Men with COPD may experience erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced testosterone, affecting sperm production and sexual health.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined sexual health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality
At CIFAR IVF Centre, Dr. Puneet Rana Arora emphasizes that “fertility is not just about the reproductive organs—your overall health, oxygenation, hormones, and inflammation levels play a big role.”
Let’s understand how COPD affects fertility in both women and men.
How COPD Affects Fertility in Women?
1. Lower Oxygen Levels Affect Egg Quality
Dr. Puneet says that the body’s overall oxygen supply is decreased if you are suffering from a COPD problem. For the ovaries to generate healthy eggs, there must be adequate blood flow and oxygenation in your body. Sometimes hypoxia, or persistently low oxygen, can result in:
- Produce Poor egg quality
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Higher chances of anovulation
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Because continuous inflammation and stress on the endocrine system make it more likely for women with long-term COPD to have hormone levels that are out of balance. This could lead to:
- Facing Irregular periods
- Lack of ovulation
- Shortened or prolonged menstrual cycles
Dr. Puneet says, “Inflammation is a silent disruptor. Women with COPD often have higher inflammatory markers which indirectly interfere with fertility.”
3. Systemic Inflammation Impacts the Uterine Environment
A healthy uterus needs a stable, well-oxygenated lining (endometrium).
COPD increases overall inflammation and may negatively affect:
- Endometrial thickness
- Implantation rates
- Timing of ovulation and embryo implantation
4. Impact of Long-Term Medications
Some COPD medications (especially corticosteroids) can affect:
- Ovulation
- Hormone production
- Immune balance needed for implantation
5. Lifestyle Factors Linked to COPD also affect Fertility in female
Many COPD female patients have a history of:
- Smoking
- Exposure to pollutants
- Poor nutrition
- Low physical activity
These factors independently decrease fertility and worsen reproductive outcomes.
How COPD Affects Male Fertility?
1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
It is extremely common for men who have COPD to experience erectile dysfunction (ED).
1. Decreased circulation of oxygen
2. Poor health of the cardiovascular system
3. Irritability and persistent shortness of breath
4. Changes in the action of nitric oxide, which is essential for erections
Because COPD causes stress on the heart and lungs, it’s harder to get or keep an erection.
2. Lower Testosterone Levels
Men with COPD often have much lower levels of testosterone, which can cause:
- Low libido
- Poor sperm production
- Reduced muscle strength
- Fatigue
Chronic inflammation and steroid drugs can inhibit the hormonal mechanisms that facilitate testosterone synthesis.
3. DNA Damage in Sperm
Reduced oxygen levels and oxidative stress may result in:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation
- Poor motility
- Reduced sperm count
This increases the chances of infertility, miscarriage, or failed IVF cycles.
4. Psychosexual Impact
Chronic illness has a significant impact on mental health in males.
Feelings of anxiety, diminished confidence, persistent fatigue, and stress in relationships can all lead to a decline in sexual performance and desire.
Dr. Puneet Rana Arora’s Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Puneet:
1. “COPD is not just a lung disease—it is a full-body inflammatory condition that affects hormones, oxygenation, and reproductive function.”
2. “Women with COPD should not ignore irregular cycles or difficulty in conceiving. Early fertility testing helps us identify issues before ovarian reserve declines further.”
3. “Men with COPD should undergo semen analysis and hormone testing, especially testosterone levels, to understand the extent of reproductive impact.”
4. “With personalized fertility care—IVF, ICSI, hormonal optimization, and lifestyle correction—many COPD patients can still achieve pregnancy.”
How CIFAR IVF Centre Helps COPD Patients Trying to Conceive?
✔ Complete Fertility Evaluation
- AMH, AFC
- Hormone profiling
- Semen analysis
- Doppler studies
- Endometrial assessment
✔ Treatments Tailored for COPD Patients
- IVF / ICSI
- IUI (where suitable)
- Mild stimulation protocols
- Hormonal balancing
- Antioxidant and oxygenation-focused therapy
✔ Pre-conception Counselling
Focus on:
- Smoking cessation
- Nutrition improvement
- Managing inflammation
- Optimizing lung function before pregnancy
Dr. Puneet Rana Arora ensures that the fertility plan is safe and effective while considering the patient’s lung health.
Conclusion
COPD may be a chronic respiratory disease, but its impact goes far beyond the lungs.
Women may face infertility and menstrual issues, while men commonly experience erectile dysfunction and hormonal decline.
The good news?
With expert guidance and advanced reproductive technologies at CIFAR IVF Centre, many couples with COPD can successfully achieve parenthood.
If you or your partner has COPD and are planning for pregnancy, early consultation is key.
Book a consultation with Dr. Puneet Rana Arora today.
Your lung health should not come in the way of your dreams of becoming a parent.
References:
· https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240214/Research-uncovers-link-between-reproductive-factors-and-COPD-risk-in-women.aspx
· https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/female-reproductive-factors-could-predict-copd-risk-2024a10003gi?form=fpf
· https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22752718/
· https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/56/suppl64/2593
· https://respiratory-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12931-020-01572-0
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