Asthma May Have Negative Effect on Fertility

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.

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. 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 researchers, from Bispebjerg University Hospital in Denmark, looked at data from a cohort study of over 15,000 twins who were aged 12-41 years, and who completed a questionnaire about asthma and fertility. 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. 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.

✨ Trying to Conceive?

Our fertility supplements combine Myo-Inositol with essential vitamins to support healthy hormone balance and regular ovulation.

Shop Now — $36.00

✓ Free shipping available  |  ✓ Trusted by millions of couples worldwide

Each woman was asked whether she had been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without success. 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%.

Additionally, the researchers observed that 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%.

But 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.” To find out how Conceive Plus can help you on the path to getting pregnant, visit the website

Frequently Asked Questions

Can asthma affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Research suggests that women with asthma may experience a longer time to pregnancy compared to those without the condition. A Danish study found that 27% of women with asthma experienced prolonged time to pregnancy, compared to 21.6% of women without asthma. If you're TTC and have asthma, it's worth discussing your fertility concerns with your GP.

Should I stop taking my asthma medication when trying to conceive?

No, you should not stop taking your asthma medication without consulting your GP or asthma nurse first. The NHS advises that well-controlled asthma is important for a healthy pregnancy, and stopping medication could actually cause more harm. Your doctor can review your treatment plan and ensure you're on medications that are safe whilst TTC.

Will having asthma affect my NHS fertility referral?

Having asthma alone should not prevent you from being referred for fertility investigations on the NHS. NICE guidelines recommend that couples who have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success should be offered investigations, regardless of other health conditions. Your GP will assess your overall health and make appropriate referrals based on your circumstances.

Does untreated asthma make it harder to get pregnant?

The research suggests that women with untreated asthma may have more difficulty conceiving than those whose asthma is well-managed. This highlights the importance of keeping your asthma under control when you're trying for a baby. Speaking to your GP about optimising your asthma treatment could potentially support your fertility journey.

How common are fertility problems in the UK?

According to NHS statistics, around 1 in 7 UK couples experience difficulty conceiving. Fertility issues can be caused by various factors, including conditions like asthma, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors. If you've been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or six months if you're over 36, your GP can help arrange initial fertility investigations.

Can inflammation from asthma affect my fertility?

Researchers believe that the systemic inflammation associated with asthma may play a role in affecting fertility, although more studies are needed to fully understand the link. Inflammation can potentially impact hormone balance and ovulation. Managing your asthma effectively and reducing inflammation through proper treatment may help support your overall reproductive health.

What fertility support is available on the NHS if I have asthma?

If you have asthma and are struggling to conceive, you're entitled to the same NHS fertility support as anyone else. Your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) determines funding for treatments like IVF, with NICE recommending up to three cycles for eligible women. Speak to your GP about both your asthma management and fertility concerns to ensure you receive coordinated care.