Is infertility more common among patients with multiple sclerosis? Implications to assisted reproductive techniques utilization

Abstract

Research QuestionTo evaluate whether fertility is affected, and the usage of assisted reproductive treatment (ART), among women with multiple sclerosis (MS). DesignData regarding MS and ART usage among patients with multiple sclerosis was extracted from the Israeli HMO - Clalit Health Service database. Data regarding diagnosis and treatment of MS, cause of infertility and fertility treatments usage were collected for all female MS patients aged 18-45 between the years 2005-2020. Each MS patient was matched by age 1:10 with reference women from the general population. The prevalence of infertility was compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate statistical tests were used to analyze the association between MS and fertility treatments including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). ResultsDuring the study period, 1309 MS patients were compared to 13,090 controls from the general population matched for age. Mean age was 29 (±7.8 SD) years old. The overall prevalence of infertility was 15.4% (202/1309) among MS patients, similar to the general population 16.3% (2129/13090) p=0.939. The prevalence of both IVF and COH were similar among MS patients and matched controls from the general population (8.1% vs 7.2% p=0.427, 13.8% vs 14.3% p=0.624 accordingly). ConclusionsOur results show similar rate of infertility and fertility treatments among MS patients and the general population. The results of this study provide reassurance that fertility among women with MS do not differ from the general women population, and indicate no excessive assisted reproductive technology utilization.