Monthly Archives: April, 2018

Diabetes affects nearly 10% of the world’s population. It is a serious metabolic disorder, which affects fertility in both women and men.

The most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It attacks the pancreatic beta cells responsible for the production of insulin. This form of the disease occurs mostly at young age.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and the body’s cells have a reduced sensitivity to it. The latter is better known as “insulin resistance”.

HOW DIABETES IMPAIRS FERTILITY IN MEN?

If not treated, diabetes can lead to a number of complications. They affect all organs and systems of the body as well as fertility.

One of the most serious complications of diabetes is damage to the blood vessels and nerves, which often leads to erectile dysfunction (inability to maintain an erection). Smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension can further exacerbate the condition.

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is also a cause of ejaculation problems. Decrease in penile sensitivity can lead to delayed ejaculation. It can also be caused by psychological stress and some medications, so differential diagnosis is important.

Retrograde ejaculation may occur in untreated diabetes again due to impairment of the nerves. In this case instead of moving outside of the body, semen enters the bladder. Retrograde ejaculation is not a health risk but it prevents natural conception. Fortunately, assisted reproductive technologies offer a number of solutions to this issue.

Some men with type 2 diabetes have decreased testosterone. In such cases libido and sperm count are reduced and may be accompanied by erectile dysfunction. However, testosterone levels can be corrected with proper medication.

All this sounds terrible but in reality it is completely preventable with early diagnosis and adequate treatment of diabetes type 1 and prevention of type 2. Type 2 is more prevalent among overweight people who are less physically active. Optimizing your weight and limiting harmful habits reduces your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes tremendously.

We are all looking forward to and making plans about the upcoming vacation days during Easter. Many of you are probably planning to return home, travel or even go abroad. That is why we decided to share with you this short but important information about flying during pregnancy.

If you are having a normal pregnancy without complications, there is no reason to give up your flight. However, it is always best to consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist before booking the tickets.

Some airlines do not allow pregnant women on board after the 32^nd week of gestation. Others require a signed document from the treating obstetrician-gynecologist, confirming that flying is not contraindicated for their patient. Read the rules of your chosen airline before the flight in order to be prepared.

Do you remember the story about baby Nikolai who was born in August, 2017 during a flight from Bogota (Colombia) to Frankfurt (Germany)? Although he was born prematurely, his mother was lucky enough to have 3 doctors on board. With their help Nikolai was born without complications. Although such things occur rarely, do the responsible thing! Consult with your treating physician before undertaking such trips!

How to make your flight more enjoyable?

1. Select a seat near the aisle. This way you can get up, walk around or go to the toilet more easily.
2. Drink plenty of water to save yourself from the dry air on the plane.
3. Have fun, you are going on holiday after all!

Travelling by other modes of transportation is not contraindicated during pregnancy, as long as all safety rules are followed.

New Life Fertility Center wishes you Happy Easter!