Can Fasting Improve Fertility? Check the Facts from dr Ganot Sumulyo, SpOG
Ramadan fasting not only provides general health benefits, but may also support reproductive health and increase the chances of success in pregnancy programs (promil). These benefits can be experienced by both women and men, provided that fasting is accompanied by proper dietary patterns and a healthy lifestyle.
This was conveyed by a lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University, dr Ganot Sumulyo, SpOG. He explained that fasting influences the balance of reproductive hormones and the function of vital organs, including the ovaries.
According to dr Ganot, fasting can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels and support healthier ovulation through the reduction of insulin resistance. This condition is particularly beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
“Fasting, especially intermittent fasting or Ramadan fasting, can provide significant benefits for individuals with PCOS, such as improving insulin sensitivity so that blood insulin levels become more stable,” he explained.
The lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynecology added that high insulin levels can trigger the ovaries to produce excessive androgens or testosterone. This condition may worsen PCOS symptoms and disrupt ovulation.
“Fasting can also reduce luteinizing hormone (LH) and androgen levels, and help balance estrogen and progesterone, which may improve menstrual cycles and support more regular ovulation,” dr Ganot stated.
In addition to its effects on women, fasting may also positively impact male reproductive health, particularly in men who experience obesity, insulin resistance, or low testosterone levels. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate nutritional intake during fasting.
“The key is ensuring sufficient intake of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients such as zinc and vitamin D during fasting,” he said.
For men with impaired sperm quality, dr Ganot advised avoiding smoking, alcohol, grilled or charred foods, and chronic stress, as these factors may disrupt spermatogenesis.
He also reminded couples undergoing promil during Ramadan to limit the consumption of high fat and high sugar foods. “Fatty foods such as fried snacks, excessive sugar, and high-glycemic-index foods should be avoided because they may reduce sperm quality,” he explained.
Furthermore, dr Ganot recommended a healthy dietary pattern to improve sperm quality and ovulation, including high-quality protein sources such as lean meat, fatty fish, eggs, tofu, and tempeh; healthy fats such as omega-3, extra virgin olive oil, and avocado; as well as complex carbohydrates such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
He also suggested consuming vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, sources of zinc and folate, selenium, CoQ10, as well as milk and fermented products such as yogurt, kefir, and tempeh. According to him, maintaining an ideal body weight is also important, as both obesity and being underweight can reduce fertility chances. (Lp) (IAAS/KAL)
