Why Does Inflammation Affect Fertility and What Can You Do About It?

Note: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in May 2026. Read what the rename means for your hormones and fertility.

Inflammation is one of the most talked about words in wellness right now, and for good reason. When it comes to fertility, low grade chronic inflammation can quietly influence egg quality, sperm integrity, implantation and cycle regularity, even without an obvious diagnosis.¹

The good news is that inflammation is usually something you can influence meaningfully through nutrition, lifestyle and targeted support. This guide explains what inflammation is in plain English, how it connects to conditions like endometriosis, PCOS (PMOS) and unexplained infertility, and what you can do about it.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, you can also watch our free webinar on low grade inflammation, the silent factor affecting fertility.

What is inflammation, really?

Inflammation is the body's normal response to injury, infection or stress. Acute inflammation is helpful and short lived, for example the swelling after you cut your finger.¹

The type that matters for fertility is different. It is low grade chronic inflammation, a slower, quieter background state that can persist for months or years without obvious symptoms.²

Why chronic inflammation matters for fertility

Reproduction relies on finely tuned hormonal signalling, healthy egg and sperm development, a receptive uterine lining and good circulation. Chronic inflammation interferes with each of these layers in subtle ways.^2,3

It is linked with poorer egg quality, altered ovulation, reduced sperm DNA integrity, impaired implantation and a higher risk of early pregnancy loss. It does not cause infertility on its own, but it can be the background environment that makes other issues harder to overcome.³

Conditions where inflammation plays a role

Inflammation is the connective thread behind many fertility relevant conditions, including endometriosis, PCOS (PMOS), thyroid imbalances, autoimmunity, recurrent miscarriage and some cases of unexplained infertility.^2,3

It also matters for male fertility. Oxidative stress and inflammation in the reproductive tract are associated with sperm DNA damage and poorer motility, which is why inflammation is relevant to both partners.⁴

Signs that inflammation may be a factor

Low grade inflammation is often silent, but common clues include persistent fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, joint aches, skin flare ups, painful or irregular periods, and slow recovery from illness or exercise.

These signs do not diagnose inflammation, but they can be a useful prompt to review diet, lifestyle and nutrient status with a fertility focus.

The anti-inflammatory fertility plate

A Mediterranean style, anti-inflammatory way of eating is one of the most consistently supported patterns for fertility. It prioritises oily fish, colourful vegetables, berries, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, pulses and whole grains.⁵

For a practical breakdown of what to include day to day, see our guide on anti-inflammatory foods for fertility.

Omega 3 and inflammation

Omega 3 fats, especially EPA and DHA from oily fish, are among the most researched nutrients for calming chronic inflammation. They help balance the body's inflammatory messengers and support egg quality, sperm membranes and early pregnancy development.⁶

Most UK women do not meet recommended oily fish intake, so a high quality supplement is often a sensible step. Our Ultra Omega and Vital DHA provide supplement support for your fertility journey.

You can read more in our article on whether taking omega 3 reduces inflammation, and in the new study on the inflammation reducing benefits of Zita West Ultra Omega for fertility.

Antioxidants and oxidative stress

Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked. When free radicals outpace the body's antioxidant defences, tissues including eggs and sperm become more vulnerable to damage.^4,7

A targeted antioxidant such as N acetyl cysteine (NAC) helps replenish glutathione, one of the body's most important internal antioxidants. It is often considered alongside a core fertility multivitamin, not instead of one.

Gut health and inflammation

The gut is central to how the body manages inflammation. A varied, fibre rich diet feeds a diverse microbiome, which in turn helps regulate immune signalling and hormonal balance.⁸

Fermented foods, plenty of plants, adequate protein and minimising ultra processed foods all support this. Where digestion is a struggle, a probiotic or a consultation can help identify what might be driving symptoms.

Lifestyle factors that calm inflammation

Sleep, stress and movement all influence inflammatory tone. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, regular moderate movement, time outdoors and practices that down regulate stress, such as breathwork, walking or yoga.⁹

Reducing alcohol, not smoking and avoiding environmental toxins where possible also support a calmer internal environment during preconception.

When to seek further support

If you have a diagnosed condition such as endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid disease or an autoimmune issue, or if you have been trying to conceive for some time without success, a structured fertility review is worthwhile.

Inflammation is not a diagnosis on its own, but it is a background environment that can quietly influence fertility for both partners. Addressing it through nutrition, lifestyle and targeted support is one of the most actionable things many couples can do.

These steps support the body rather than treating infertility directly. They do not guarantee outcomes, but they create better conditions for conception and early pregnancy.

References

1. Medzhitov R. Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature. 2008.
2. Weiss G, et al. Inflammation in reproductive disorders. Reprod Sci. 2009.
3. Orsi NM, Tribe RM. Cytokine networks and the regulation of uterine function in pregnancy and parturition. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008.
4. Agarwal A, et al. Oxidative stress, inflammation and male infertility. World J Mens Health. 2019.
5. Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE. Diet and fertility: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018.
6. Calder PC. Omega 3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Biochimie. 2020.
7. Ruder EH, et al. Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2008.
8. Belkaid Y, Hand TW. Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell. 2014.
9. Irwin MR. Sleep and inflammation: partners in sickness and in health. Nat Rev Immunol. 2019.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is low grade chronic inflammation?

It is a quiet, ongoing inflammatory response that can persist for months or years without obvious symptoms, and it is linked with many chronic conditions including some fertility issues.

2. Can inflammation affect egg quality?

Yes. Research suggests that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can influence egg quality, ovulation and the uterine environment, which is why anti-inflammatory nutrition is often recommended during preconception.

3. Does inflammation affect sperm?

Inflammation and oxidative stress in the reproductive tract are associated with sperm DNA damage and reduced motility, so inflammation is relevant for both partners trying to conceive.

4. What is the best diet for inflammation and fertility?

A Mediterranean style pattern, rich in oily fish, vegetables, fruit, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, pulses and whole grains, is the most consistently supported.

5. Do omega 3 supplements really reduce inflammation?

High quality EPA and DHA omega 3 supplements have been shown to support a healthier inflammatory balance, especially when dietary oily fish intake is low.

6. Are there any tests for inflammation?

Markers such as high sensitivity CRP can give clues, but inflammation linked to fertility is often assessed clinically through symptoms, history and diagnosed conditions, ideally with a fertility specialist.

7. How long does it take to see a difference?

Most fertility practitioners recommend giving nutrition, lifestyle and supplement changes at least three months, in line with the three month egg and sperm maturation cycle.

8. Should I take a fertility multivitamin if I am focused on inflammation?

A comprehensive preconception multivitamin such as Vitafem for women or Vitamen for men provides a foundation of nutrients that support antioxidant defence, hormone balance and sperm or egg development, which all influence the body's inflammatory tone.

9. Does CoQ10 help with inflammation?

CoQ10, particularly its active form ubiquinol, supports mitochondrial energy and is being studied for its role in oxidative stress and inflammation linked to egg and sperm quality. Kaneka Ubiquinol is a highly absorbable option often considered alongside a core multivitamin, not instead of one.