Effect of Body Mass Index on IVF Procedure and Outcome

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The objective was to explore the body mass index (BMI) of women as related to the different parameters of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure and outcome. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study on 206 couples analyzed epidemiological features, characteristics of ovarian stimulation and number and quality of retrieved oocytes, as well as pregnancy outcome according to three groups of BMI values: 20>BMI, 28>BMI > 20 and BMI >28 kg/m2. Results: The prevalence of underweight and overweight women was 15.5% and 41.3%, respectively. The mean ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone to luteinizing hormone increased significantly according to BMI. An increase in the mean number of consummated gonadotropin ampoules together with a decrease in the number of collected oocytes was observed in long stimulation protocol cycles when BMI >28 kg/m2. The same observations were made in short stimulation protocol cycles for 20 > BMI and BMI > 28 kg/m2. No significant relationship could be between clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates and a patient status as underweight, normal weight, or overweight. Conclusions: Both underweight and overweight have negative effects on IVF parameters and outcome leading to decreased chances of pregnancy.