Female Athletes’ Fertility Is Still A Blind Spot | Letter

As you report, changes to security screen for female athletes pursuing nan Carney reappraisal are invited (Landmark changes to security screen for female athletes to beryllium implemented, 30 March). Addressing contraception, pregnancy, menopause and different wellness conditions disproportionately affecting women is agelong overdue.

Yet 1 important unsighted spot remains: fertility. Elite athletes push their bodies to extremes, often pinch debased assemblage fat and aggravated training, which tin disrupt hormones and menstrual cycles. Nearly two-thirds acquisition irregular aliases absent periods, which tin impact fertility.

Competitive years often coincide pinch highest fertility, yet galore athletes hold motherhood to prioritise their careers. For those trying to conceive, less aliases absent cycles make earthy conception much challenging, and age-related fertility diminution must besides beryllium considered.

Some advancement exists: past twelvemonth nan WTA Tour committed to protecting nan rankings of tennis players who took clip retired to acquisition a fertility process specified arsenic ovum aliases embryo freezing. Paid, protected clip disconnected for fertility appraisal and curen should beryllium modular crossed women’s sports. Female athletes should not person to take betwixt profession and parenthood – a prime seldom asked of antheral counterparts.

Recognising fertility arsenic portion of holistic jock health, providing support and flexibility, and offering timely fertility preservation options are essential. Anything little risks undermining nan advancement these reforms purpose to achieve.
Dr Mireia Galian
Medical director, IVI London