Factors Effecting Success Rates

Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)

A woman’s weight can adversely affect her fertility. Both very thin and obese weights can disrupt the normal ovulatory process. BMI is an index (based on height and weight) of whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. A high BMI > 25 suggests that a person is overweight and a BMI > 30 indicates obesity. If your BMI shows that you are overweight or obese, you will be encouraged to get the appropriate medical care in order to decrease your weight, thereby improving fertility and avoiding further medical sequelae related to excess fat.

Smoking

Approximately 15-20% of women of reproductive age smoke cigarettes. Women who smoke have an increased risk of delayed fertility, as well as primary and secondary infertility. Women who smoke regularly may also experience premature menopause due to the toxic effect of cigarette chemicals on the ovaries. Also, scientific studies have also shown some increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in women smokers. Other detrimental effects of smoking occur during pregnancy and include higher rates of growth abnormalities in the fetus including low birth weight. Furthermore, women who are exposed to second-hand smoke experience similar effects as active smokers. Men who smoke may also have diminished sperm function.

Hydrosalpinges

Patients with a history of tubal disease or pelvic inflammatory disease, whether previously undetected or treated, may be faced with a chronic condition in which their fallopian tubes are dilated and filled with fluid. In the presence of hydrosalpinx (dilated tube filled with fluid), studies have shown that IVF success rate is decreased by approximately 60 percent. In order to restore the IVF success rate, a surgical procedure can be performed in which the hydrosalpinx is clipped or resected. Hysterosalpingogram is one of the tests used to detect the presence of hydrosalpinx.

Exercise & Diet

A balanced diet is essential to good health. Heavy coffee drinkers should limit their coffee intake to 1 cup a day or less if possible, or eliminate caffeine completely from the diet. While moderate exercise is encouraged, over-exercise, and strict diets with limited intake of certain food groups can also lead to infertility and pregnancy complications. Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia can pose unique problems during pregnancy. If you are concerned about diet and exercise issues relating to fertility, please discuss them with your provider before starting infertility treatment. As in all things, moderation and balance in diet and exercise will optimize your chances for a healthy baby.

Drugs & Alcohol

Alcohol is known to cause structural and developmental defects in a fetus. This group of disorders is termed the "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome." It is best to avoid drinking alcohol during the course of your infertility treatment or during pregnancy. Marijuana use in men leads to poor sperm counts that take many weeks to recover after exposure. Other recreational drugs can lead to other significant problems for pregnancy.

Vitamins / Herbs

Preconceptual folic acid intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus by 50%. It is recommended that all women undergoing infertility treatment take at least 0.4 mg of folic acid (folate) before they conceive and during the course of their pregnancy. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect in the past (i.e. spina bifida), it is recommended that you take 1 mg of folic acid daily. This is only available by prescription. Some studies have shown that men may have improved sperm counts if they take a high potency multi-vitamin. This may be due to deficiencies in micronutrients and minerals (i.e. selenium). Your male partner may take a high-potency vitamin (such as GNC’s Ultra-Mega series) to help improve the sperm count.