PHOENIX, April 20 /PRNewswire/ — Recent studies have suggested as many as one out of five patients treated at fertility clinics has an eating disorder. As both eating disorders and infertility rates are on the rise, women should be more carefully screened by their health care professionals.
"Many times a woman will enter treatment for infertility and immediately be given prescription drugs," said Brenda Woods, MD, director of primary care at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating Disorders. "Very few patients are asked about their diet, nutrition and fitness habits."
Eating disorders affect a woman's endocrine system; therefore, ovulation can be disrupted. Many times a patient will have no visible signs of an eating disorder, especially someone suffering from bulimia. Medical professionals should therefore take a nutritional history and screen the patient's attitudes about weight and dieting.
"Just because a patient looks 'normal', doesn't mean she doesn't have an eating disorder," adds Dr. Woods.
For many women suffering from infertility, one of the main complaints is menstrual irregularity and inability to conceive. Remuda Ranch also recommends examining the patient's exercise history since low body fat can cause infertility. Many times a patient will need to stop exercising for a while in order to conceive.
Infertility has become a common problem today. American culture is obsessed with dieting and fitness. Since eating disorders most often affect women of childbearing age, eating disorders should not be quickly ruled out in patients with infertility.
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