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In recent years, an increasing number of women and men are delaying starting families until much later in life, sometimes in their late 20s, 30s, or even 40s. We automatically get our cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure tested to look after our long-term health. But when it comes to fertility, many of us don’t consider testing until we’re already having trouble conceiving. This wait can be emotionally, physically, and even financially stressful for couples and that is why fertility testing should have the same proactive priority as other preventive health checks. Learning about your fertility ahead of time doesn’t imply that something is wrong; it simply means you are informed and can make comfortable, timely decisions rather than rushed or reactive ones later on. Dr. Neelam Suri, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, shares everything you should know: Why Cholesterol Matters in Fertility Cholesterol is not only a heart health statistic, it’s also the foundation of important reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. If cholesterol levels are too low or too high, this hormonal balance can be disrupted in both women and men. In women, abnormal cholesterol levels can lead to irregular or absent ovulation, exacerbate PCOS, decrease egg quality, and make conception more difficult. In men, cholesterol imbalance can affect testosterone levels, decrease sperm shape and motility, and increase oxidative stress that may harm sperm DNA. When both partners have comorbid metabolic disturbances such as hypercholesterolemia or insulin resistance, the chances of delayed conception rise significantly. This makes it imperative to address metabolic wellness as a vital aspect of fertility planning. Why This Conversation Matters Today Lifestyle conditions like high cholesterol, insulin resistance, obesity, and PCOS are increasingly prevalent among young adults in India. At the same time, more couples are choosing to delay conception. These two factors together make early fertility evaluation more crucial than ever. Just as you wouldn’t wait for a heart condition to develop before checking your cholesterol, you shouldn’t wait for difficulty conceiving before assessing your reproductive health. Make Fertility Testing Routine Preventive Health A basic fertility evaluation can be simple and non-invasive. For women, this may include an ovarian reserve test and a hormonal panel. For men, a semen analysis is usually the most important first step. Adding a lipid profile (cholesterol test) to these investigations helps determine whether metabolic health is influencing reproductive function. Taking this proactive step allows individuals and couples to detect potential issues early, explore fertility preservation options if necessary, plan pregnancy timing more clearly, and avoid the emotional distress and hasty decision-making that can arise when problems are identified too late. Additionally, a comprehensive hormonal assessment, often referred to as a fertility panel, can include testing AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels. These biochemical markers provide valuable insight into ovarian reserve and reproductive potential. It’s equally important to monitor for conditions such as endometriosis, which has become increasingly common and is one of the leading causes of delayed conception in clinical practice today. Early identification and management of endometriosis can significantly improve the chances of a successful and timely pregnancy. Minor Lifestyle Adjustments Enhance Both Fertility and Metabolic Health Fertility and metabolic health both improve with simple, consistent lifestyle habits. Eating balanced, minimally processed meals; exercising regularly, even a brisk daily walk; maintaining healthy sleep patterns; and managing stress all contribute positively. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake also support hormonal balance. Where needed, medical guidance can help tailor these actions to individual needs. Combined, these lifestyle choices benefit both reproductive and cardiovascular health making them a worthwhile long-term investment in overall well-being. Fertility awareness is not alarming it’s empowering. With more couples choosing parenthood later in life, fertility testing should be approached the same way we approach cholesterol or blood sugar testing, as a routine, proactive aspect of preventive care. Understanding your fertility early preserves your options, prevents uncertainty, and allows parenthood to be planned with confidence, not pressure.
