We know that “bad” cholesterol (LDL) is responsible for a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about its relationship with infertility.
Recent research claims that the colesterol es el precursor de hormonas como el estradiol, la progesterona y la testosterona, claves para la fecundación, que se sintetizan en células presentes en ovarios y testículos. Por esto tener el colesterol puede incidir en la fertilidad, tanto en mujeres como en hombres.
Thus, high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in women can create hormonal imbalances that make it difficult to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
In men, there may be a lower quantity of sperm with poorer quality or sperm that show defective morphology.
It is therefore important to remember the importance of having healthy habits to reinforce good cardiovascular health, and consequently fertility capacity. Some tips are:
• Food
The ideal is a varied diet based on the Mediterranean model, consisting of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats and omega-3 fish. And, above all, avoid processed foods that contain large amounts of salt and sugar.
• Sport
Do physical activity regularly and stay active through simple exercises such as walking or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Quit bad habits
Tobacco and alcohol are special, even if they are consumed occasionally.
Remember that it is advisable to perform tests from time to time in order to better control our blood cholesterol levels. In this way, your doctor will be able to monitor you and establish plans to reduce it, if necessary.