Anemia in women of reproductive age is the most common condition during pregnancy and post pregnancy days. Iron deficiency is associated with serious health problems such as impaired working capacity, weakness, malaise, headaches, cognitive impairment, decreased concentration or attention. Women who don’t get enough iron can develop anovulation or may develop unhealthy ovum which cannot be fertilized by sperm leading to infertility.

1. IMPACT OF
ANAEMIA ON
REPRODUCTIV
E HEALTH
DR. NIRANJAN CHAVAN

2. DR. NIRANJAN CHAVAN
MD, FCPS, DGO, MICOG, DICOG, FICOG, DFP,
DIPLOMA IN ENDOSCOPY (USA)
Professor and Unit Chief, L.T.M.M.C & L.T.M.G.H, Sion Hospital
Joint Treasurer Elect, FOGSI (2021-2024)
Member Oncology Committee, SAFOG (2020 onwards)
National Co-Ordinator, FOGSI Medical Disorders in Pregnancy Committee (2019-2021)
Vice President MOGS (2020-2021)
Scientific Secretary, AFG (2020-2021)
Chair & Convener, FOGSI Cell Violence Against Doctors (2015-16)
Dean & Chief Content Director, HIGHGRAD E3 Courses
Chairperson, FOGSI Oncology and TT Committee (2012-2014)
Course Co-Ordinator of 11 batches of MUHS recognized Certificate Course of B.I.M.I.E at L.T.M.G.H
(2010-16)
Member, Oncology Committee AOFOG (2013-2015)
Member, Managing Committee IAGE (2013-17), (2018-20)
Editorial Board, European Journal of Gynaec. Oncology (Italy)
Course Co-Ordinator of 3 batches of Advanced Minimal Access Gynaec Surgery (AMAS) at LTMGH
(2018-19)

3. • Iron deficiency is a global nutritional disorder, especially for
pregnant women.
• There is a close relationship between deficiency in trace
elements and unexplained infertility in females.
• However, the relationship between iron deficiency and
unexplained infertility has not been determined.

4. HOW IT CAN AFFECT FERTILITY
• The most common type of anemia, caused by iron deficiency,
may cause a woman to suffer from anovulation.
• Furthermore, anemia arising from folic acid deficiency may
cause secondary infertility, and even if the patient is able to
conceive, she may have higher risk of miscarriage.
• Similarly among men, anemia, especially coupled with
malnutrition and iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency may
be associated with lower sperm count and lower ejaculate
quality, thus lowering the patient´s fertility.

6. CONCLUSION FROM THE STUDY
• Pernicious anaemia and folate deficiency are known to cause
secondary infertility in both men and women.
• Anaemia as a cause of infertility has been seen only in the
cases of malabsorption syndromes in the developed world.
• In economically deprived communities of developing countries
dietary deficiency anaemias are still a cause of infertility.
• Besides causing infertility folate deficiency may also cause
increased risk of miscarriage

7. Severe iron deficiency has a significant influence on fertility, and may be an important
factor in unexplained infertility. Further research on the role of iron in conception is
warranted.

8. THANK YOU