One of the health conditions that is common worldwide is high blood pressure or hypertension. While trying for in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is crucial to maintain blood pressure for the health of both baby and mother.
This blog will help you understand the relationship between IVF and blood pressure and help you learn about strategies, risks, and management.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure on the artery wall is too high. Hypertension has no visible symptoms; hence, it is also known as the “silent killer.”
However, this one symptom can lead to other diseases, such as stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, which is denoted as (mm Hg). This is measured using systolic and diastolic pressure. The general blood pressure is usually below 120/80 mm Hg; however, for hypertension, it is 130/80 mm Hg mm or higher.
Connection Between Fertility and High Blood Pressure
Hypertension affects both women and men. However, in women, hypertension can have negative effects, leading to irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation problems, making it harder for women to conceive.
Moreover, medications used to treat blood pressure can often interfere with fertility. In men, hypertension affects sperm quality, leading to complications in pregnancy.
Blood pressure and IVF
IVF is a tough process that includes various steps. This includes hormone treatment, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. However, for couples with high blood pressure, IVF can be a physically and emotionally demanding process.
Risk Related to High Blood Pressure and IVF
Some of the risks associated with high blood pressure and IVF are described below:
Complications in Pregnancy
Women with hypertension can have complications during pregnancy, namely preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that damages the organs, commonly the kidney or the liver of the baby. Moreover, it can be fatal sometimes for both the baby and the mother if not treated or diagnosed.
Decreased Blood Flow to the Uterus
Hypertension puts a lot of pressure on the artery wall; hence, there is a decrease in blood flow to the uterus, where the embryo will be implanted. This often increases the chance of miscarriage.
Preterm Birth
A normal and healthy pregnancy happens after forty weeks. However, high blood pressure can lead to delivery on or before thirty-seven weeks of pregnancy. This could lead to reduced weight and developmental problems in the baby.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption means that the placenta separates itself from the uterus before pregnancy. This puts both the mother and baby in danger due to heavy bleeding.
Cardiovascular Risks
In IVF, hormonal inductions are often used to promote ovulation. Sometimes, these drugs can impact blood pressure, leading to stroke or other cardiovascular conditions in women.
Impact on Positive Results
Researchers have discussed that hypertension has an impact on IVF green signs. Women with low blood pressure have higher success rates compared to women with higher blood pressure.
How to Manage High Blood Pressure Before an IVF?
Individuals should be aware of the risks and treatment process of IVF to increase success rates. Some of the management steps are listed below:
Modification in Lifestyle
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in women and men with hypertension. It is important to eat fruits and vegetables and have a diet low in salt. Engage in physical activity daily. You can also practice yoga or meditation to manage your stress level. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Management Through Medication
Hypertension can be managed by using medications. However, some medications can interfere with the IVF treatment. Hence, it is important to sit with your fertilty doctor and modify your medication by checking your condition. Additionally, it is vital to be true to your doctors about your condition. This helps to understand the condition better.
Individualized Care
There is no one-size-fits-all in IVF. Hence, it is important to create a curated plan according to the needs of an individual. It is important to trust the experts and follow their recommendations to improve your health.
Consider Emotional Support
IVF is a rollercoaster process. It is both emotionally and physically demanding, specifically if you have certain underlying conditions like hypertension. It is always better to rely on support groups or people you trust. You can also look for professional help when needed, as you may gain some valuable insights and encouragement.
Conclusion
IVF offers hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally. It is their gate to parenthood. However, underlying conditions, namely hypertension, slim the chances of IVF success.
This is because the drugs interfere with the IVF process, or there is a decreased blood flow to the uterus.
However, the process can be maintained before IVF through a proper diagnosis. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, meditation, and medical management. There is always a light in the process, and it is important to be patient to reach the place.
Yes, women with hypertension can do IVF. However, the process should be monitored closely to avoid any further complications during pregnancy.
High blood pressure can have some negative effects on implantation. This includes reduced blood flow to the uterus affecting the process of ovulation and implantation.
There are certain complications that a mother can experience due to hypertension, including placental abruption, stroke, and preeclampsia.
A small group of studies indicates that a woman’s blood pressure increases slightly during ovulation, and this may be due to hormonal changes in the body.
