Abstract
The effect of a raised body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of assisted reproduction technology (ART) still represents a controversial issue. Even less clear is whether BMI acts with a potential detrimental effect on IVF outcomes via a deleterious effect on innate quality of oocytes or on the environmental milieu within the uterus. With the aim to better understand the mechanisms underlying the potential deleterious effect of an increased BMI on IVF outcomes, we have evaluated the effects of female BMI on number and quality of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, embryo score and incidences of ongoing pregnancy and live births among couples undergoing IVF in an Italian population. Data from 1602 women who underwent their first IVF cycle were retrospectively analyzed. A significantly reduced percentage of mature oocytes when comparing obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and normal-weight patients (BMI = 18.50–24.99 kg/m2) was found. After adjusting for maternal age and other confounders, odds for ongoing pregnancy rate showed no differences across different BMI categories. However, a significant increased odds ratio (OR) could be observed for miscarriage rate in patients with BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 2.5; p = 0.04). These results should be taken into account in order to define optimal strategies for overweight and obese patients referring to ART procedures.
Highlights
In the United States, almost two thirds of women and three fourth of men are overweight or obese, as are nearly 50% of women of reproductive age [1,2,3,4]
Our study highlights the consequences of female obesity on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in an Italian IVF center
No statistical difference was found among body mass index (BMI) groups in total folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) doses, number of oocytes retrieved and quality of embryos obtained
Summary
In the United States, almost two thirds of women and three fourth of men are overweight or obese, as are nearly 50% of women of reproductive age [1,2,3,4]. There is an increased prevalence of infertility among overweight and obese women [9,10]. Obese women in the general population have a lower chance of conception within one year of stopping contraception compared with normal-weight women. The combination of infertility and obesity confers some real challenges about the short and long term management of these women [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
