The benefits of inositol for fertility

Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the B-vitamin complex. It is commonly found in fruits, grains, and nuts. Inositol comes in two forms: myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol.

Myo-inositol is the most studied and commonly used form of inositol for fertility. Inositol is known to have many benefits for fertility, both for men and women, especially those with PCOS and irregular cycles.

Inositol and female fertility

Inositol has been shown to have benefits for women's fertility in general. Here are some of the key benefits:

Improves egg quality: Inositol can help to improve the quality of eggs produced by the ovaries, which can increase the chances of conception. This is because inositol can improve the quality of the follicles in which the eggs mature.

Regulates menstrual cycles: Inositol can help to regulate menstrual cycles by improving hormonal balance. This can be beneficial for women who have irregular cycles or who are experiencing menstrual irregularities due to conditions such as PCOS.

Increases chances of ovulation: Inositol can increase the chances of ovulation by improving ovarian function. This is because inositol can improve the sensitivity of the ovaries to hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), which are responsible for ovulation.

Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes: Inositol can help to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, a condition that affects some women during pregnancy. This is because inositol can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Reduces the risk of miscarriage: Inositol has been shown to reduce the risk of miscarriage in women who have previously experienced recurrent miscarriages. This is because inositol can improve the quality of the eggs and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Inositol and PCOS

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by an excess of male hormones (androgens) in the body, insulin resistance, and irregular menstrual cycles. PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility.

Studies have shown that inositol can improve several symptoms of PCOS, including:

Insulin resistance: Inositol can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This can be especially beneficial for women with PCOS, as insulin resistance is a common feature of the disorder.

Ovarian function: Inositol can help to improve ovarian function in women with PCOS. Studies have shown that inositol can increase the number of mature follicles, improve oocyte quality, and increase the chances of ovulation.

Hormonal balance: Inositol can help to balance hormones in women with PCOS. It can reduce the levels of androgens in the body, which can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as acne and excess hair growth.

Inositol benefits for men's fertility

Inositol has also been shown to have benefits for men's fertility. Studies have shown that inositol can:

Increase sperm count: Inositol has been shown to increase sperm count in men who have low sperm count. This is because inositol can improve the quality of sperm by reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Improve sperm motility: Inositol can also improve sperm motility, which is the ability of sperm to swim and reach the egg. This is important for successful fertilisation and conception.

Reduce the risk of DNA damage: Inositol can help to reduce the risk of DNA damage in sperm, which can improve the quality of the sperm and increase the chances of conception.

Reduce the risk of metabolic disorders: Inositol can help to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, which can have a negative impact on male fertility.

Inositol can have many benefits for fertility, both for women and men. For women with PCOS and irregular cycles, inositol can help to improve insulin resistance, ovarian function, and hormonal balance. Myo-inositol is the most studied and commonly used form of inositol for PCOS.