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. 2004 Dec;21(12):431–436. 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 1, Doris M Gruber 1, Ernst Rücklinger 2, Christian J Gruber 1, Johannes C Huber 1
PMCID: PMC3455618  PMID: 15704518

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.

Keywords: BMI, body weight, FSH, IVF, pregnancy outcome

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