How Excess Body Energy Reserves Could Be Sabotaging Your Fertility (And What To Do About It)

Ever wondered why sometimes your body just doesn’t seem to cooperate in your fertility journey? I’ve been diving deep into some groundbreaking research lately, and it’s wild how much your body’s energy reserves—basically, your fat stores—can affect your chances of conceiving. It might sound surprising, but science is showing us that having too much energy stored in your body can actually create a hostile environment inside your reproductive system.

Let’s start with a recent study I came across that really opened my eyes. Published in PLoS ONE, this research explored the impact of different nutritional plans on Nellore cows to see how their body energy reserves (BER) affected their oviductal environment—the place where fertilization happens. What they found? Cows with high BER showed negative changes in this critical environment, potentially impairing fertility. (You can check out the full study here: The bovine oviductal environment and composition are negatively affected by elevated body energy reserves)

Why does this matter for us humans?

While cows aren’t people, their reproductive biology shares many similarities with ours. High body energy reserves, often due to excess body fat or an imbalanced diet, can cause hormonal disturbances, inflammation, and poor quality reproductive fluids—factors that can reduce the chances of conception. It’s a tricky spot because many of us have been conditioned to think that more energy (food/calories) equals better health, but in fertility, it’s all about balance.

What does this mean if you’re trying to conceive?

If you’ve been struggling to get pregnant, and your body energy reserves are on the higher side, it might be worth looking into your nutritional and lifestyle habits first. Here’s the thing: it’s not about dieting or crash restricting yourself. Instead, it’s about nurturing your body to create the optimal reproductive environment.

Practical steps to support your fertility:

Focus on balanced nutrition: Aim for whole foods rich in nutrients that support hormonal balance—think colorful veggies, lean proteins, healthy fats like avocado and nuts.
Mind your body composition: Instead of chasing a number on the scale, focus on how you feel—energy levels, mood, and physical wellness.
Gentle movement: Yoga, walking, or swimming can support circulation and reduce stress without overtaxing your system.
Stress management: Chronic stress can worsen hormonal imbalances, so practices like meditation or deep breathing are key.

How technology like at-home insemination kits fits in

Navigating fertility challenges now also includes empowering yourself with tools that allow more control and privacy. For example, companies like MakeAMom offer innovative at-home insemination kits designed for different fertility needs, such as those tailored for low sperm motility or sensitivities. Their CryoBaby kit, specifically crafted for frozen or low-volume sperm, provides a reusable, cost-effective way to take charge of your fertility journey in the comfort of your home. If you’re curious about exploring this option, check out MakeAMom’s CryoBaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit for a discreet and user-friendly experience.

The bottom line?

Your body is telling you something important about your fertility health—too much stored energy can throw a wrench in the works. But the good news is that with some thoughtful lifestyle shifts, and access to innovative tools, you can tilt the odds in your favor.

So, what’s your plan to create the best possible environment for conception? Have you noticed lifestyle factors impacting your fertility? Let’s start a conversation below—because every journey is different, and sharing our stories makes us stronger together.

Remember: Fertility is a beautiful, complex dance between your body, mind, and the choices you make every day. You’ve got this!