Infertility and Binge Eating Disorder

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Infertility is a heartbreaking condition that may women and couples experience across the world. It is estimated that up to 15 percent of couples in the United States experience infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive a child despite having frequent, unprotected sexual encounters for at least one year [1].

Many different factors can contribute to resulting infertility in both females and males and may include genetics, environmental influences, hormonal imbalances, and other co-occurring diseases and medical conditions.

Individuals who struggle with eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, may also experience a more difficult time conceiving a child and becoming pregnant.

Contributing Factors

Any abnormal eating patterns can contribute to an overall poor nutrition status, which can prevent someone from having a successful pregnancy. Other factors that an individual with binge eating disorder might experience that negatively affect the ability to become pregnant include psychological stress and obesity.

While not all people with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese, overeating in general can result in hormonal imbalances, which can result in abnormal menstrual cycles and blocked ovulation.m

If you have been attempting to become pregnant and have also been dealing with binge eating disorder, consider working with eating disorder specialists that can help you find recovery and healing.

Successfully addressing and managing symptoms of binge eating disorder can be a helpful part of also dealing with infertility. It may also be helpful to have symptoms of binge eating disorder under control before conceiving a baby, as pregnancy can result in many other complications and issues.

If you are continuing to struggle with infertility after treatment for binge eating disorder, consider reaching out to an infertility specialist to determine if any other causes or factors are influencing your inability to conceive a child.

It may also be helpful to join a support group with other individuals who are also dealing with infertility to have a safe place to process and connect. The journey of infertility can be a tremulous and heartbreaking one, and it is important that you have support every step of the way.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

If you have struggled through infertility, what resources have been helpful to you in your own journey?

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References:
[1]: The Mayo Clinic, “Diseases and Conditions: Infertility”, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/definition/con-20034770

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Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 3, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com