Couple-related factors of ART outcome

Abstract

Purpose of investigation: Although assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are the current mainstay of infertility treatment, several mechanisms leading to ART failure are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine possible health-related risk factors in both counterparts of the couple affecting the ART outcome. Material and Methods: The authors recruited 100 consecutive couples who were undergoing ART procedure. All subjects filled out a health questionnaire, and the presence of bacterial vaginosis in females and/or prostatitis in males was evaluated. Results: Success of the ART procedure was 30.2%, failure being most significantly related to woman’s age (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.09–0.66, p = 0.003) and excess body weight (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.63, p = 0.002). Male factors, previous conceptions, and presence of children increased the likelihood of ART success. Bacterial vaginosis and prostatitis did not significantly compromise the effectiveness of the ART procedure in this study. Conclusion: In 100 consecutive infertile couples scheduled for ART procedure, pregnancy was achieved in 30.2%, with female age and overweight and previous children from male side being the most significant factors affecting the ART outcome.