Asthma May Have Negative Effect on Fertility
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 12 people in the US has asthma, which totals around 25 million individuals.
A new study suggests that women with asthma could have more difficulty conceiving, resulting in prolonged time to pregnancy. Researchers say the study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, adds to previous research suggesting that asthma may have negative effect on fertility.
Women are more likely than men to have asthma, which makes this current study particularly important. Although the coexistence of infertility and asthma has been previously observed, this recent study investigates the link between asthma and delayed pregnancy in a large-scale analysis of twins.
The Study using Twins
Researchers from Bispebjerg University Hospital in Denmark looked at questionnaire data from a cohort study of over 15,000 twins who were aged 12-41 years.Twins were used for the study so that direct comparisons could be made between sisters. The researchers note this also allowed them to use a sample representative of the whole population, from all social groups, without needing to measure genetic and lifestyle data for each individual.
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The women were then divided into asthma and non-asthma groups, and they were then further divided into sub-groups for those treated for asthma and those not treated. Each woman was asked whether she had been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without success.
The Findings
-> The researchers found that in the group with asthma, a “significantly higher proportion” of women (27%) experienced prolonged time to pregnancy, compared with the group of women who did not have asthma (21.6%).
->In the group of women whose asthma was untreated, the risk of delayed conception increased by a significant amount, compared with women whose asthma had been treated, at 30.5% versus 23.8%.
->As a general trend, women with asthma over the age of 30 had a longer waiting time to pregnancy, compared with women under the age of 30, at 32.2% versus 24.9%.
Conclusions and Takeaways
Overall, the researchers do note that ultimately, women with asthma gave birth to the same number of children on average as the women without asthma, adding that women with asthma tended to have children at an earlier stage in their lives.
As the negative effect of asthma on fertility increases with age and grows with the intensity of the condition, the researchers say this indicates “that a systemic disease (asthma) characterized by systemic inflammation also can involve reproductive processes.
Dr. Elisabeth Juul Gade, lead author of the study, says: “Our results shed light on the complex interactions between fertility and asthma. Although we observed women with asthma experiencing longer waiting times to pregnancy, our findings suggest that if women take their medication and control their asthma, they can reduce this delay.
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Shop Now →Does asthma actually prevent pregnancy or just delay it?
According to recent research published in the European Respiratory Journal, asthma does not prevent pregnancy altogether—women with asthma ultimately have the same number of children on average as women without asthma. However, the study found that women with asthma experience prolonged time to conception, with 27% reporting a year or more of trying to conceive compared to 21.6% of women without asthma. This means asthma may delay pregnancy rather than cause permanent infertility.
Can asthma medications affect my ability to get pregnant?
The research suggests that treating asthma may actually improve fertility outcomes. Women with untreated asthma had a significantly higher risk of delayed conception at 30.5%, compared to 23.8% of women whose asthma was being treated. If you're concerned about how your asthma medications might affect fertility, consult with both your pulmonologist and reproductive endocrinologist, as most FDA-approved asthma controllers are considered safe during conception attempts.
Why does untreated asthma impact fertility more than treated asthma?
While the exact biological mechanisms aren't fully detailed in this study, untreated asthma can cause chronic inflammation and reduced oxygen levels, which may affect reproductive hormone balance and egg quality. Maintaining proper asthma control through medication helps normalize these physiological conditions. Speak with your healthcare provider about optimizing your asthma treatment plan before attempting to conceive.
Does age affect how asthma impacts fertility?
Yes, according to the study, age plays a significant role in conception timing for women with asthma. Women with asthma over age 30 experienced longer waiting times to pregnancy (32.2%) compared to those under 30 (24.9%), which aligns with general fertility decline as women age. If you have asthma and are over 30, consider consulting a fertility specialist sooner rather than later.
Should I see a fertility specialist if I have asthma and am trying to conceive?
If you have asthma and have been trying to conceive for one year (or six months if you're over age 35), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends consulting a fertility specialist. A reproductive endocrinologist can evaluate whether your asthma or its treatment may be affecting conception and recommend appropriate interventions or referrals to manage both conditions simultaneously.
Are there specific asthma medications I should avoid while trying to get pregnant?
Most commonly prescribed asthma controller medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists, are considered safe during preconception and pregnancy. However, always discuss your specific asthma medications with your healthcare team, as they can review your individual prescriptions and medical history to ensure optimal safety and efficacy while trying to conceive.
How many women in the US are affected by both asthma and fertility issues?
The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 12 Americans (about 25 million people) have asthma, with women being more likely to have the condition than men. This recent large-scale study of over 15,000 twins found that 27% of women with asthma experienced prolonged time to pregnancy, suggesting a significant number of women may be affected by both conditions, though more research is needed to determine exact prevalence.
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