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Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Fertility specialists explain how trending diets like keto and intermittent fasting impact men and women differently
Did you know intermittent fasting and diets like keto diet can have distinct effects on men and women, particularly when it comes to fertility? If you're considering intermittent fasting or keto diet, especially if you're trying to conceive, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and benefits and determine the best approach for your individual needs. Here's what fertility specialists have to say. Also read | About to start keto diet? 5 important things you need to know for best results Before starting any new diet, especially if you're trying to conceive, consult a doctor. (Freepik) How does keto diet impact women and men's fertility? Dr Navina Singh, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Mumbai said, 'When we talk about trending diets like keto and intermittent fasting, it's important to remember that most people turn to them for weight loss or to improve their overall health. But when it comes to fertility, the effects aren't always straightforward. They can help in some cases, but not all, and the impact can look quite different for men and women." Dr Singh said about the keto diet: 'It's a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with moderate protein. The aim is to push the body into a state called ketosis, where it starts burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In women, especially those dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this can be helpful. Keto can lower insulin resistance, which is a core issue in PCOS, and that, in turn, can help regulate hormones. In obese women or those with insulin-related reproductive problems, this can sometimes lead to more regular ovulation and better chances of conception. In men, too, weight loss through keto may help improve testosterone levels, which could benefit sperm quality.' Dr Alimileti Jhansi Rani, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Hyderabad added about the keto diet: 'It's been studied more in the context of PCOS. There are small studies showing improvements in things like blood sugar control, weight loss, and even hormone levels related to ovulation. Some women also report better skin, less hair loss, and even feeling more balanced overall. In men, keto has been linked to better sperm quality, in terms of motility and morphology.' But there are drawbacks to keep in mind. 'Cutting out carbs too drastically can affect reproductive hormones like FSH and LH. And if the diet isn't nutritionally balanced, it can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients such as folate and iron, which are essential during pregnancy. We've also seen women report irregular or missed periods after starting keto, often linked to sudden weight loss and hormonal shifts,' Dr Singh said. Intermittent fasting can be an effective way to improve health, but it's essential to approach it safely and responsibly.(Shutterstock) How intermittent fasting affects women and men Dr Singh explained how intermittent fasting is a bit different: 'It usually involves eating only during a set window and fasting for the rest of the day. The main benefit again is weight loss. For women with PCOS, it may help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and bring some hormonal balance back, all of which can support fertility. But fasting for too long or being too restrictive can cause oestrogen levels to drop, which might disrupt ovulation or even stop periods altogether. In men, intermittent fasting may initially boost testosterone and sperm health, especially when it helps manage weight or blood sugar. But over time, if it's too extreme, it could have the opposite effect.' Dr Rani further shared, 'When we talk about intermittent fasting, we usually think of it as a way to manage weight or blood sugar, but it's starting to show some promise for reproductive health too. While there is a need for larger and better research on the subject, there seems to be ways these diets help with overall fertility." She added, 'In men, too, intermittent fasting might improve fertility. Some studies indicate better sperm count and motility, especially when fasting leads to weight loss or better metabolic health. But again, more research is needed before we recommend it specifically for that purpose.' Dr Rani added, 'There's also growing interest in how fasting might affect the gut microbiome, which we now know plays a big role in hormonal regulation. Some studies suggest intermittent fasting can improve the diversity and composition of gut microbes, which could in turn support better hormonal balance. And then there's the circadian rhythm. Eating in sync with the body's internal clock, like consuming food earlier in the day, might boost some of these positive effects.' Should you follow a diet at all? According to Dr Singh, while both keto and intermittent fasting can offer fertility benefits in specific contexts, they should be approached with caution, not too rigidly, and ideally with medical guidance. Dr Rani added: 'That said, both of these diets come with caveats. They're restrictive, they affect people differently, and they're definitely not one-size-fits-all. But for the right patient, particularly someone dealing with PCOS or metabolic issues, they might be worth considering, with proper medical guidance, of course.' 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.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Five factors beyond sperm count that cause male infertility
The latest report on global fertility by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says infertility is a key barrier to reproductive autonomy for almost 13 per cent of Indians. Studies also show that among the approximately 28 million people in the country who face infertility, male-factor infertility accounts for 40-50 per cent of the such a significant proportion, male fertility remains under-discussed and underdiagnosed, with little to no awareness beyond sperm count. This leaves no room to acknowledge the complex causes and possible solutions to the condition. Dr Vaani Mehta, fertility specialist at Birla Fertility and IVF, Chandigarh, lists the lesser-known factors impacting male fertility:advertisementGenetics: Genetic abnormalities are often left out of discussions when talking about infertility even though they can be significant contributors. One such example would be microdeletions in the Y chromosome, particularly in the Azoospermia Factor or AzF gene. If any part of AzF is deleted or mutated, it can disrupt the entire process of spermatogenesis and lead to a severely low sperm count or even complete absence of sperm in semen, resulting in dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction that affects fertility can manifest in many ways, with symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, problems relating to ejaculation and even low libido. In a 2023 study by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a projected 322 million men around the world were to be impacted by sexual dysfunction in 2025. Despite its impact, male sexual dysfunction is often underdiagnosed or undertreated. Recognising such symptoms early and addressing them through medical, psychological or lifestyle changes can significantly improve chances of natural Unhealthy lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle is another big factor that impacts male infertility. Several factors, such as obesity, diet or nutrition, stress, smoking and alcohol use, affect not just sperm count but also motility, morphology and sperm and emotional wellbeing: Our societal construct pressures men to curb their emotions, which leads to underlying stress and loneliness. Couple this with the stress and pressure to conceive and it negatively impacts their emotional health. It is essential for men and couples to put emotional wellbeing in focus and regulate stress to ease their fertility Underlying health issues, such as diabetes and hypertension, can also have a major impact on male fertility. High blood sugar levels can reduce sperm mobility, damage sperm DNA and hamper sperm morphology. Similarly, hypertension can affect blood flow to reproductive organs and even impact hormone to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
22-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
IVF players on expansion mode in smaller towns as fertility rates go down
Major in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) chains are expanding into untapped Tier 2 and 3 cities, driven by improved healthcare infrastructure, growing acceptance of fertility treatments, and rising disposable incomes in smaller urban centres. Birla Fertility and IVF, which currently operates around 30 centres in Tier 2 and 3 cities, plans to open at least 15 to 16 more centres in FY26, two-thirds of which will be in smaller towns. Nova IVF, which derives 40 per cent of its revenue from such cities, is exploring expansion in 15 locations including Haldwani, Jamnagar and Meerut. Indira IVF, the country's largest infertility chain, has also announced plans to enter over 25 Tier 3 cities by FY27. Explaining the rationale, Shobhit Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nova IVF Fertility, said, 'With one in six couples experiencing infertility in India, there is a need for fertility chains to expand to cater to couples battling infertility.' A recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report highlighted that India's total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 births per woman — below the replacement level of 2.1. The report echoes findings from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, which pegged India's TFR at 2.0 births per woman for 2019–21. The NFHS-5 also found the fertility rate had declined more significantly in rural areas, where it stood at 2.1 — down from 3.7 in NFHS-1 (1992–93). In urban areas, it fell to 1.6 from 2.7 in the same period. While infertility is not the sole factor behind the falling TFR, experts suggest infertility cases are expected to rise beyond Tier 1 cities, fuelled by stress-related lifestyle diseases and climate change. Industry insiders say IVF players are already witnessing increased demand for infertility treatment from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Abhishek Aggrawal, CEO of Birla Fertility and IVF, told Business Standard that more than 50 per cent of the company's annual IVF cycles are conducted in cities such as Siliguri, Varanasi and Prayagraj. 'While there is a rising segment in metros, with IVF chains receiving queries from women for procedures like egg freezing to delay parenthood, Tier 2 cities are providing an opportunity to tap less penetrated, high-potential markets,' he said. Agarwal added that many couples from Tier 2 regions find it difficult to travel to larger cities for fertility treatment, as the cost of travel, accommodation and lost wages makes the process financially burdensome. 'With expansion, we are bringing standardised fertility treatment to their home towns, with the best clinical acumen and embryologists,' he said. This model, he added, is affordable and avoids additional hassle. India currently performs around 200,000 to 250,000 IVF cycles annually, and the market is projected to grow to 400,000 cycles by 2030, with smaller cities expected to account for a substantial share of this growth. Aggrawal noted that to meet this growing demand, IVF chains are also focusing on building awareness to ensure fertility care is both accessible and better understood by those in need.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bengaluru doctors see rising cases of low ovarian reserve in women in their 20s & 30s
Bengaluru: Fertility specialists across Bengaluru are raising a red flag: Low ovarian reserve , a condition traditionally seen in women nearing their 40s, is now increasingly being diagnosed in much younger women. More women in their 20s and early 30s, who are planning their pregnancies, are walking into fertility clinics only to discover their egg count is significantly lower than expected for their age. Low ovarian reserve usually doesn't present with any or unnoticeable symptoms. Doctors warn this shift could have serious implications for fertility planning and reproductive health. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Dr Manjunath, deputy medical director at Birla Fertility and IVF, told TOI he sees at least 40 cases a month. "Every alternate patient, in the age group of 20 to 30 years we see now, has a low egg reserve. The number rose exponentially in the last two decades." He explained a woman is born with all the eggs she'll ever have — about 1 to 2 million. By puberty, it drops to 3–4 lakh. And by 30? Just around 70,000. From there, the decline picks up speed. "Now, more young women are now facing egg depletion faster than expected, even when they're years away from planning a pregnancy. While age remains the most significant factor, it is a mix of urban lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, and delayed family planning. The biological clock is set. We can't reset or slow it," he said. Dr Priyanka Das, consultant obstetrician, gynae laparoscopic surgeon & infertility specialist, Altius Hospital, sees about 10 to 15 such cases every month. "Stress, pollution, processed diets, and hormonal disruptors in plastics and cosmetics may all be contributing," she said. The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level is a key marker for egg reserve. A healthy range is between 2 and 4 ng/mL. Anything below 1 is considered critically low. The Antral Follicle Count (AFC)—the number of egg follicles seen on an ultrasound—is also used. A normal AFC ranges between 6–10 follicles per ovary. "When AMH drops below 1, and AFC shows 2 to 5 follicles, we call that severely diminished reserve," said Dr Meghana Nyapathi, cluster head at Milann Fertility Hospital. "We see 30 patients a month who now present with this." This isn't just about getting pregnant. The quality of eggs also declines, increasing the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal issues. Dr Manisha Singh, additional director - gynaecologist & subspecialist in reproductive medicine & surgery at Fortis Hospital, explained, "Only one egg ovulates each month. The rest die unused. And with age or damage from things like smoking or surgeries, the remaining ones may be poor in quality." She added there is an increase in the rise of conditions like endometriosis that lead to cyst formation in the ovary, which can also compromise the egg reserve. Dr Meghana Nyapathi, cluster head - reproductive medicine at Milann Fertility Hospital, said, "Approximately 30% of patients each month present with low ovarian reserve, leading to difficulties in conceiving. Sadly, a poor ovarian reserve is generally not reversible." Precautions: Quit smoking Limit alcohol intake Follow a balanced diet Maintain healthy body weight Manage stress Plan pregnancy before 35
