The impact of long down regulation in vitro fertilisation cycles on patients' weight

Abstract

Aim. A common concern of prospective in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients is the effect of treatment on their weight. The aim of this study was to document weight change throughout a long down regulation (LDR) IVF cycle and to examine any relationship between weight change, treatment outcome ovarian responsiveness and bloating.

Methods. Following recruitment of women prior to na LDR IVF cycle, four-timed weighings and a control-validated daily bloating questionnaire were completed through the cycle.

Results. Sixty-six weight profiles were used in analysis, 66% (n=43) of which completed the bloating questionnaire. There was no significant weight change at the conclusion of the cycle (p = 0.234) despite significant weight gain during stimulation. These changes had no relationship to treatment outcome, the statistically significant reported bloating or to the ovarian responsiveness of participants.

Conclusions. Despite anecdotal views to the contrary, LDR IVF cycles do not appear to result in lasting weight gain. Interestingly, there was no statistical association between weight change and the perceived degree of bloating.

Keywords:

• IVF
• estrogen
• body mass
• bloating
• LDR

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the staff of IVFAustralia Southern Sydney, for enabling the successful recruitment and follow-up of treatment participants. Funding for the research was attained via the University of New South Wales for the undergraduate independent learning project of the MBBS course.