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. 2004 Dec;21(12):431-6.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-004-8759-1.

Body mass index, follicle-stimulating hormone and their predictive value in in vitro fertilization

Kathrin Ferlitsch  1 , Michael O Sator, Doris M Gruber, Ernst Rücklinger, Christian J Gruber, Johannes C Huber
Affiliations

Body mass index, follicle-stimulating hormone and their predictive value in in vitro fertilization

Kathrin Ferlitsch et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2004 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: The objective was to explore whether body mass and day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone have predictive value on odds of pregnancy after in vitro fertilisation. Few studies show that obesity produces a variety of alterations in the reproductive system, and that women with an elevation of day 3 FSH have declining ovarian function.

Methods: The data of one-hundred-seventy-one women who underwent a standard regime of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was analyzed with particular reference to variations in body mass and hormone levels.

Results: By raising BMI and FSH (mIU/mL) by one unit, the odds for pregnancy were decreased by the respective factors 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.97) and 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.59-1.00).

Conclusions: The results demonstrate that for the purpose of raising the odds of pregnancy BMI should be reduced. A low FSH value may cause the same effect. Nontheless, obesity and hormonal function may be independent risk factors for failure in assisted reproduction.

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