Woman with glowing lungs shaped like a blossoming tree representing asthma and fertility.

Asthma and Fertility: What Women Need to Know About Treatment and Pregnancy

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A comprehensive look at the link between asthma and fertility challenges, exploring how asthma treatment and age can impact a woman's ability to conceive."

For women navigating the complexities of family planning, health conditions like asthma can add layers of concern. Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, affects millions worldwide and is particularly prevalent among women of reproductive age. Recent research has shed light on the potential interplay between asthma and fertility, prompting essential questions about treatment, timing, and overall reproductive health.

While studies have indicated that asthma may be associated with prolonged time to pregnancy and increased need for fertility treatments, it's important to understand the nuances and what these findings mean for you. This article aims to provide clarity, offering insights into the latest research, practical considerations, and supportive guidance for women with asthma who are considering pregnancy.

Whether you've been recently diagnosed with asthma or have been managing the condition for years, understanding its potential impact on your fertility can empower you to make informed decisions. By exploring the facts, dispelling myths, and focusing on proactive strategies, you can navigate your fertility journey with confidence and optimism.

Decoding the Link: Asthma and Fertility Treatment

Woman with glowing lungs shaped like a blossoming tree representing asthma and fertility.

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal investigated the relationship between asthma and fertility treatments among 3,689 women with live births. The study revealed that women with asthma were more likely to have undergone fertility treatment compared to their non-asthmatic counterparts. Specifically, 12.2% of women with asthma had received fertility treatment compared to only 7.7% of women without asthma.

This connection remained significant even after adjusting for factors like body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and age. This suggests that asthma itself, or factors closely related to it, may play a role in fertility challenges. It's crucial to note that this finding doesn't imply that all women with asthma will require fertility treatment, but rather highlights a potential association that warrants attention and proactive planning.

Increased Use of Fertility Treatments: Women with asthma showed a higher prevalence of both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Age Matters: The link between asthma and fertility treatment was more pronounced in women aged 35 and older.
No Differences in Infertility Causes: The underlying causes of infertility (female factor, male factor, or unexplained) were similar in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic women.

For women over 35, the study found that 24.8% of asthmatic women had undergone fertility treatment, compared to only 13.4% of non-asthmatic women. This age-related disparity emphasizes the importance of considering asthma as a factor in family planning, particularly as women approach their late reproductive years. Understanding this connection can help women make informed decisions about when to start trying to conceive and when to seek professional help.

Empowering Your Fertility Journey with Asthma

If you have asthma and are planning to conceive, knowledge is your most powerful tool. Stay informed, work closely with your healthcare providers, and prioritize a healthy lifestyle. While asthma may present unique challenges, proactive management and personalized strategies can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling fertility journey. Remember, you're not alone, and with the right support, you can confidently pursue your dreams of motherhood.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1183/13993003.00597-2018, Alternate LINK

Title: Fertility Treatment Among Women With Asthma: A Case–Control Study Of 3689 Women With Live Births

Subject: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Journal: European Respiratory Journal

Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Authors: Anne Vejen Hansen, Zarqa Ali, Sara S. Malchau, Joan Blafoss, Anja Pinborg, Charlotte S. Ulrik

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does asthma potentially impact fertility in women?

Research indicates asthma may be associated with a prolonged time to pregnancy and an increased need for fertility treatments. A study in the *European Respiratory Journal* found women with asthma were more likely to undergo fertility treatment like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to women without asthma. While not implying every woman with asthma needs treatment, it highlights a potential link warranting proactive planning. This suggests asthma, or related factors, can influence fertility, but the specific mechanisms require further investigation. Factors not yet explored may include the impact of specific asthma medications, the severity and control of asthma symptoms, and potential inflammatory pathways affecting both the respiratory and reproductive systems.

Does the age of a woman with asthma affect the link between asthma and fertility treatments?

Yes, age appears to play a significant role. The study mentioned found that the link between asthma and fertility treatment was more pronounced in women aged 35 and older. Specifically, a higher percentage of asthmatic women over 35 had undergone fertility treatment compared to their non-asthmatic counterparts in the same age group. This suggests that as women with asthma approach their late reproductive years, the impact of asthma on fertility may become more prominent, warranting earlier consideration of potential interventions. It's important to consider that as women age, ovarian reserve declines, and egg quality diminishes, potentially compounding the effects of asthma on fertility outcomes. This age-related disparity highlights the importance of considering asthma as a factor in family planning, particularly as women approach their late reproductive years. Future research could explore the interplay between asthma, age-related reproductive decline, and treatment outcomes to inform personalized management strategies.

Are specific types of fertility treatments more common among women with asthma?

The study in the *European Respiratory Journal* indicated that women with asthma showed a higher prevalence of both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and assisted reproductive technology (ART). This suggests that women with asthma may be more likely to require interventions beyond natural conception to achieve pregnancy. The finding highlights the potential need for early evaluation and tailored treatment approaches for women with asthma who are planning to conceive. However, the specific reasons for increased use of IUI and ART in women with asthma require further investigation. Future research could explore the effectiveness of different fertility treatments in women with asthma, identify predictive factors for treatment success, and optimize protocols to improve outcomes.

If a woman with asthma experiences infertility, are the underlying causes different compared to women without asthma?

According to the research referenced, the underlying causes of infertility (female factor, male factor, or unexplained) were similar in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic women. This suggests that asthma itself may contribute to fertility challenges independently of the traditional causes of infertility. While the study examined common infertility causes, it didn't explore more nuanced factors like hormonal imbalances, immunological factors, or subtle genetic variations that could disproportionately affect women with asthma. Further research could delve into these less-studied areas to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms linking asthma and fertility.

What steps can women with asthma take to improve their chances of conceiving?

Knowledge is key for women with asthma planning to conceive. Staying informed about the potential impact of asthma on fertility, working closely with healthcare providers to manage asthma effectively, and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle are crucial steps. Proactive management and personalized strategies can help pave the way for a successful fertility journey. Regular monitoring of lung function, adherence to prescribed asthma medications, and avoidance of asthma triggers are also important. The role of diet, exercise, and stress management in optimizing both asthma control and fertility should be explored with healthcare professionals. Additionally, seeking support from fertility specialists and support groups can provide valuable guidance and emotional support throughout the process.