These blood pressure meds may harm your sperm health, pregnancy: Fertility expert shares solutions couples should know
Hypertension or high blood pressure, has for a long time been known to have cardiovascular health risks. Its impacts on reproductive health, however, are slowly coming to the fore. As more couples opt for fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), it becomes vital to know how systemic diseases, especially hypertension, affect fertility and the resulting pregnancies.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rashmi Sharma, director and HOD, IVF department at Origyn IVF Fertility and chief gynaecologist, shared, 'A woman's chances of getting pregnant naturally may be diminished by high blood pressure. This form of hypertension, if sustained long term, may result in inadequate circulation to the reproductive region, notably the ovaries and uterus. These blood supply demands may impair ovarian function and the receptivity of the endometrium—two very important elements of pregnancy.'
She added, 'In relation to high blood pressure, reduced quality of semen and sperm motility has been noted in some men, which may also lend itself to subfertility. Furthermore, some antihypertensive drugs may have a negative impact on fertility. Although not all drugs are dangerous, a fertility assessment with a gynaecologist is recommended prior to conceiving while being treated for hypertension.'
In relation to advanced assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF, high blood pressure might contribute to altered results. Dr Sharma said, 'More research needs to be done, but women with high uncontrolled hypertension are likely to have low implantation rates or higher chances of miscarriage. Additionally, hypertension may impact the metabolic conditions of the uterus and the implantation of the placenta, both essential for a viable pregnancy following IVF.'
She cautioned, 'Hypertension-related conditions such as preeclampsia and chronic kidney disease may affect the safety and effectiveness of fertility treatment. Controlled and monitored blood pressure levels may contribute positively to IVF outcomes, but every patient requires personalised evaluation and care.'
Pregnancy with high blood pressure has several risk factors that could impact both the mother and the child. Dr Sharma explained, 'Chronic hypertensive women are at higher risk for placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth. They also face an increased risk of developing preeclampsia which is high blood pressure with some form of organ dysfunction, and can be life threatening.'
According to the fertility expert, women undergoing IVF may experience these complications earlier because of their age or due to other fertility challenges. Dr Sharma said, 'Nonetheless, a good number of hypertensive women are able to maintain healthy pregnancies with strict medical supervision, lifestyle alterations and proper medication.'
She highlighted, 'Contrary to popular belief, high blood pressure does not automatically eliminate the chances of conceiving naturally or through IVF, however, does add layers of complexity that need careful medical oversight Pre-emptive diagnosis, proactive treatment, and tailored fertility treatment plans enhances reproductive success.'
Dr Sharma concluded, 'Couples facing infertility where one partner has a chronic illness like hypertension are advised to seek the attention of a qualified fertility specialist, where a better-suited strategy can allow for improved nuances while still prioritising better health outcomes. See a specialist to know the cautious next steps for your tailored condition.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Samantha Ruth Prabhu swears by these 5 things for her glowing skin, fit body and 'happy' mind at 38
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is all about prioritising happiness and health. At 38, the actor actively promotes the importance of nurturing both physical and mental well-being as a way to stay healthy and look your best. Known for her fit physique and radiant skin, Samantha often embraces various therapies, workout routines, and dietary strategies to stay youthful, strong, and content. Also read | Samantha Ruth Prabhu's beauty secrets for glowing skin at 38 revealed: 'Lots and lots of moisturiser', no cold plunges Samantha shared a slew of pictures on June 29.(Instagram/@samantharuthprabhuoffl) On June 29, Samantha shared a slew of pictures on Instagram giving us a peek into her personal life, the therapies she takes, the diet she follows and the friends she hangs out with, that help her stay happy and healthy. Here's how she spent her June, and things that helped her feel her best, physically and otherwise: 1. A long lunch with a friend The post features a picture of Samantha and actor Keerthy Suresh. 'Sat down for lunch. Stood up at sunset,' Samantha wrote with the picture. 2. Red light therapy Samantha's post also featured snippets of her red light therapy, PEMF therapy, snippets of her breakfast and her workout videos. 'Red light therapy: Boosts collagen, calms inflammation, and helps the body recover,' Samantha wrote. 3. PEMF therapy Noting down the benefits of PEMF therapy, Samantha added, 'PEMF & negative ion therapy: Works on a cellular level: boosts circulation, eases inflammation, and supports faster recovery.' Also read | Samantha Ruth Prabhu reacts to 'another weight comment', explains why she's unable to put on weight 4. Having a healthy breakfast One of the pictures of Samantha's post features a snippet of her breakfast bowl with a lot of fruits and nuts. 'This breakfast knows what it's doing: Healthy, happy, mildly obsessed,' she added. 5. Working out Samantha also shared a short snippet from her gym diaries, acing pushups like a pro. 'What we choose to speak about becomes what we shape,' Samantha captioned her post. Is red light therapy good for health? In a March 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Gagan Raina, Aesthetic Physician, Laser Expert, and Clinical Director at ARISIA Aesthetic Clinic in Mumbai explained how red light therapy works - 'Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that utilises wavelengths ranging from 630nm to 700nm. These wavelengths penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating cellular activity, enhancing tissue repair, and promoting overall skin and hair health. It has become a widely sought-after therapy for addressing various concerns, from signs of aging to inflammation and hair thinning.' Dr Raina also noted down the benefits of red light therapy; read all about it here. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni suggests top makeup tips to ace your monsoon look
Rainy days may wash away your blues, but don't let those raindrops wash away your glam! As the clouds roll in and humidity rises, your regular makeup routine needs a monsoon makeover. From smudge-proof kajals to dewy-not-greasy skin hacks, it's time to rainproof your beauty game. Monsoon Makeup tips by celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni(Pexels) 'Before applying makeup, always begin with a clean face to ensure there's no residual makeup', says celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni. Namrata Soni has around 25 years of experience and celebrities like Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Rani Mukherjee, Isha Ambani, former Miss World, Manushi Chillar, and Twinkle Khanna have served as blank canvases for her makeup. Namrata, who is also the co-founder of the Simply Nam makeup range, tells HT Lifestyle her top tips for a perfect monsoon makeup. Use a hydrating sheet mask to prepare your skin for makeup Namrata insists on applying a hydrating sheet mask after cleaning your face, as it creates the perfect base for long-lasting makeup. She adds further that after removing the sheet mask, it's advisable to gently blot away any excess serum using the makeup removing towels. Namrata relies on a great deal on the makeup removal towels to cleaning out your face for any makeup or dust residues. Moisturiser is the key to a hydrating skin Simply Nam co-founder states, 'Next, prep your skin according to your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a gel-based or serum-based moisturiser. For dry skin, choose something more hydrating. Once that's absorbed, apply a hydrating eye cream and finish with a lip balm.' Primers helps in sweat-proofing your makeup Rain and humid weather comes hand in hand, resulting in sweating! Thus, Namrata swears by a primer in humid weather and states that primers must be applied on to cheeks, forehead, or chin. For extremely dry skin, she recommends using a hydrating primer on the dry patches. However, people with oily skin should apply an oil-control primer on their T-zone. Soni also recommends letting the primer sit in before applying the base for a better grip. Water-resistant makeup products are a no-brainer In order to prevent your makeup from melting in the rain, she advises reaching for water-resistant products that perform beautifully without feeling heavy or harsh on the skin. She says, 'Always use a water-resistant kajal. Her go-to is applying it on the waterline and setting the lower lash line with a matching matte eyeshadow. It locks in the pigment beautifully.' Lightweight foundation for humid weather 'Look for lightweight and water-resistant formulas. A satin-matte or soft matte finish works beautifully as it won't feel heavy and lasts longer in this humidity,' says Namrata. Quick fixes if your makeup starts melting Namrata also shares her quick fixes to makeup melting, 'If your makeup starts to melt, gently blot away excess oil with a tissue or blotting paper, then lightly dab on some pressed powder to mattify and freshen up your base without layering on too much product'. She further adds that a spritz of setting spray can also instantly refresh your look and keep everything in place for the rest of the day. Some basic makeup products that should be kept for touch-ups Namrata shares that keeping a mini beauty kit is a must, but do keep it minimal. A good mascara, a hydrating tinted lip balm, pressed powder, kajal, lipstick, and a small beauty blender or powder puff is all you need for quick touch-ups. At the end, while monsoon is all about enjoying savoury with your favourite beverages, these tips are sure to help you keep up with your makeup game. Similar articles for you: Malaika Arora reveals her pre-makeup skincare ritual; Know 6 skin prep steps she swears by How to choose your hairbrush for your hair type: Celebrity hair designer Darshan Yewalekar shares Don't use a sunscreen stick or else you will get obsessed with it! Our take on everything you need to know Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
How daily yoga practice can calm your thoughts, release tension and bring you closer to inner balance
Yoga isn't just about touching your toes or mastering picture-perfect poses. It's a timeless Indian practice that brings harmony not only to your body but to your entire being. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, yoga helps you reconnect with yourself and restore inner balance. Yoga releases emotional tension in the body, promoting clarity and balance. (Unsplash) In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Rohan Jajodia, Senior Yoga Instructor at Santushti Yoga Lounge, and Lavleen Kaur, Chief Dietitian and Founder of Santushti Holistic Health and Healing, share how yoga can transform your well-being from the inside out. (Also read: Man who lost 30 kg shares how yoga helped him lose weight: 'It's gentle but powerful way to burn fat' ) Sage Patanjali says in the yoga sutras: 'Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah', yoga is the calming of the fluctuations of the mind. Through simple breathwork and regular meditation, yoga helps reduce stress, anxiety, and constant overthinking. You begin to respond to life with more clarity and calm, not just react out of habit. Yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and posture while fostering body awareness.(Unsplash) 2. Strong, aware body Yes, yoga improves flexibility, but it also builds strength, improves posture, and brings deep body awareness. You learn to respect your body's limits while gently expanding them. As the Bhagavad Gita says, 'Yoga is a skill in action.' Every pose becomes an act of mindfulness and self-care, not performance. 3. Breathe better, feel better Your breath (prana) is the bridge between body and mind. Pranayama practices help balance emotions, calm the nervous system, and energise the body. You begin to move with your breath, not against it, making every movement more intentional and peaceful. 4. Stay balanced, not perfect Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita, 'Be steady in success and failure, that is yoga.' Life isn't always in our control, but yoga helps us stay grounded in both highs and lows. You learn to stay centred, even when things aren't perfect. Yoga is more than a physical practice; it's a holistic approach to well-being. (Unsplash) 5. Let go of stored stress Our body holds emotional tension, especially in the hips, shoulders, and jaw. Yoga gently releases this stress. Over time, you feel lighter, clearer, and more emotionally balanced. 6. Yoga off the mat Yoga is not just a workout, it's a way of living. The Yamas and Niyamas from the Sutras offer timeless values: honesty, kindness, contentment, discipline, and self-reflection. When practised daily, yoga becomes a lifestyle of balance and awareness. Yoga isn't about how deep your backbend is, it's about how calm your mind is and how peaceful your heart feels. Start slow, stay regular, and let yoga do its quiet magic, one breath at a time. 'Do your duty without attachment to the outcome, this is true yoga.' — Bhagavad Gita, 2.47 Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
