During Ramadan, Muslims across the globe abstain from food, smoking and sex from dawn to dusk. Fasting in Ramadan is a form of intermittent fasting which is associated with numerous health benefits, but many patients question, can fasting in Ramadan affect their fertility?

So, in this article, we would find out if there is any effect of fasting during the month of Ramadan on infertile women and men.

Affect Of Ramadan Fasting On Fertility

There are a lot of benefits associated with fasting during Ramadan like weight loss, reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, and much more. But what about fertility?

To answer this question, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital conducted a study on fasting infertile Muslim women with non-fasting women comparing the outcomes of IVF cycles in both. But they found no significant difference between the two.

However, it was revealed that the fasting group of women experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression associated with the procedure. This is because of the increased spirituality fostered during the holy month of Ramadan.

Also, there is a common myth among people that the children who are conceived during Ramadan are born smaller and sooner than babies conceived at other times of the year, and the answer is no.

A study published in BMJ Journals found that “Healthy Muslim women considering becoming pregnant prior to, or during Ramadan, can be advised that fasting does not seem to have a detrimental effect on the size (weight) of their baby and it appears not to increase the likelihood of giving birth prematurely.”

Effects of Ramadan Fasting On Male Fertility

Many studies done on infertile men’s to see if fasting has any effects on their fertility found that it didn’t have any effect on the fertility of healthy men.

Also read: How does a women’s age affect fertility?

A study performed by S M Abbas, A H Basalamah found that “In oligospermics, there was a proportional rise of testosterone with the level of prolactin. The total count and live- sperm percentage were improved during fasting among oligospermic men, but the percentage of weak sperm also increased.”

However, they concluded that though there is no major benefit of fasting for infertile men, there are some chances of improvement in the total sperm count, gonadotrophic hormone levels, and testosterone levels.

Should You Fast If You Are Pregnant or Undergoing Infertility Treatment?

Well, it is always advisable to get advice from your doctors because any uninformed decision might hinder your chances of getting pregnant and can prove to be a disaster.

But, it is not recommended to fast during Ramadan if you are a pregnant woman or if you are undergoing infertility treatments like IVF.

Conclusion

If you are opting to fast during pregnancy or treatment you must always ask your doctor first.

Avoid fasting because fasting does not affect your chances of getting pregnant in a positive way but can do the opposite. However, infertile men can fast during Ramadan s fasting does neither benefit nor declines their sperm quality.

We at Ferticity Fertility Clinics wish you a very Happy Ramadan, and we wish that all your dreams come true.

Does Fasting in Ramadan Affect Fertility?