Abstract
Lifestyle has a significant effect on human reproduction. Although great progress has been made with respect to the technical aspects of IVF treatments, the relevance of the parents’ contribution to success rates has been somewhat neglected. Few lifestyle habits have been assessed in relation to IVF outcome. Obesity reduces the possibility of pregnancy and increases miscarriage rates and obstetric complications for both mother and fetus, leading to a lower live birth rate. However, the real contribution of the oocyte, sperm, embryo and endometrium to IVF outcome is still not fully understood. Being underweight also appears to negatively affect IVF results, but again, few studies have assessed this topic. Psychological stress, consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and illicit drug use have been implicated in a poorer IVF outcome, but evidence is inconclusive due to the scarcity and inadequate methodology of related reports.
Notes
hCG: Human chorionic gonadotrophin.