Can Chronic Inflammation Impact Fertility?

Do you know what chronic inflammation is? Well, to summarise, chronic inflammation is a prolonged, low-grade immune response. Here, the body's defense system keeps sending inflammatory cells, even after an injury or infection has been resolved. This leads to persistent, silent damage to healthy tissues and organs over months or years. Instead of helping the body, this prolonged response can slowly damage healthy tissues and affect how organs function. But did you know that chronic inflammation can impact your fertility as well? This article will explain how and why.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr CP Dadhich, Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur. Read ahead.

Can Chronic Inflammation Impact Fertility?

Let us straightaway get to the question of the hour – can chronic inflammation impact fertility? “Yes, chronic inflammation can impact fertility in both women and men. When inflammation becomes persistent, the body’s immune system remains in an activated state, releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals that can interfere with normal reproductive processes. In women, chronic inflammation can disrupt ovulation, affect the quality of eggs, and interfere with implantation by altering the uterine environment. It may also contribute to conditions like endometriosis, tuberculosis, thyroid dysfunction, and pelvic inflammatory disease, all of which are linked to infertility,” explains Dr Dadhich.

He adds, “In men, chronic inflammation can impair sperm count, motility, and morphology. It may damage sperm DNA and disrupt hormone regulation. Essentially, chronic inflammation creates a hostile internal environment that makes conception more difficult.”

What Are The Signs Of Chronic Inflammation?

Dr Dadhich shares that chronic inflammation often develops silently, but several subtle symptoms may signal its presence:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy.
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Frequent bloating, digestive issues, or IBS-like symptoms.
• Joint stiffness or muscle aches.
• Skin problems such as acne, eczema, or rashes.
• Recurrent infections.
• Brain fog, anxiety, or mood fluctuations.

“These symptoms may seem mild individually, but collectively they can point toward systemic inflammation,” adds the expert.

Also Read: Fertility Calendar: How To Count Safe Days To Have Sex After Periods – Doctors Explain

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

Everything happens for a reason. Let us understand the reason behind chronic inflammation. Dr Dadhich mentions that several lifestyle, environmental, and medical factors can trigger chronic inflammation, such as:

• Long-term stress causes prolonged cortisol imbalance.
• Poor diet that is high in sugar, trans fats, and processed foods.
• Insulin resistance or obesity.
• Hormonal imbalances, especially PCOS or thyroid conditions.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Chronic infections (viral, bacterial).
• Poor gut health or leaky gut syndrome.
• Environmental toxins, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyle.
• In women, gynaecological issues like endometriosis or pelvic infections are major contributors.

How To Prevent Chronic Inflammation?

On this note, the expert mentions that preventing chronic inflammation requires consistent lifestyle measures, such as:

• Eat a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3s and fibre.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
• Prioritise 7–8 hours of quality sleep.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or mindfulness.
• Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and reduce exposure to environmental pollutants.
• Treat underlying medical issues early (thyroid, PCOS, infections, gut issues).
• Maintain good gut health through probiotics and balanced nutrition.

How To Decrease Inflammation For Fertility?

For individuals trying to conceive, reducing inflammation becomes even more important. Dr Dadhich shares some key steps to do so, which include:

• Following a Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet.
• Ensuring adequate vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and antioxidants.
• Managing insulin resistance through diet and exercise.
• Treating endometriosis, thyroid disorders, or infections promptly.
• Improving gut health, as 70% of the immune system is gut-linked.
• Limiting exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (such as plastics and pesticides).
• Working with a fertility specialist to address hormone imbalances.

“Reducing inflammation often improves egg quality, improves ovulation, and promotes a healthier uterine environment,” adds the expert.

What Is The Fastest Way To Reduce Inflammation In The Body?

Dr Dadhich shares that while chronic inflammation needs long-term management, the fastest ways to reduce inflammatory load include:

• Switching to clean, minimally processed meals immediately.
• Increasing hydration and avoiding sugary/processed foods.
• Taking physician-approved omega-3 supplements.
• Sleeping well for 2–3 consecutive nights.
• Reducing stress instantly through breathing techniques or mindfulness.
• Applying a short-term anti-inflammatory protocol under medical supervision.
• Light physical activity like walking, which improves circulation and reduces inflammatory markers.
• Quick improvements are possible, but sustainable results require ongoing lifestyle changes.

Also Read: Silent Infertility: Overlooked Infections That Can Impact Conception in Women

The Final Word

Chronic inflammation can significantly impact fertility in both women and men. When inflammation becomes persistent, the body’s immune system remains in an activated state, releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals that can interfere with normal reproductive processes. You can keep your inflammation under control by following practices like maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.