Perceptions among infertile couples of lifestyle behaviors and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success

Abstract

Purpose To assess how patients perceive various lifestyle behaviors impact IVF success. Methods Cross-sectional study of heterosexual, Englishspeaking couples (n=138) who completed web-based surveys during IVF treatment cycle. Perceived impact of lifestyle choices assessed by multivariable logistic regression and pvalue tests for linear trend (P t ). Result(s) During the IVF cycle, most patients consider it helpful for women to exercise (76 %), avoid stress (87 %) and limit activity after embryo transfer (92 %). The majority of patients (62 %) consider rigorous exercise (4+ h/week) helpful and nearly one-third (32 %) perceive benefit to complete bed rest after transfer. Overall, couples with a sexspecific infertility diagnosis are more likely to consider partner's lifestyle choices impactful: male-factor couples are more likely to consider it helpful for men to limit cellular phone use (OR:2.73,CI:1.06-7.04) and diminished ovarian reserve couples are more likely to consider it helpful for women to limit exposure to plastics (OR:2.38,CI:1.03-5.51). Patients at higher levels of education (P t <0.01) and income (P t <0.01) are less likely to consider lifestyle impactful. Conclusion(s) Patient perceptions of the impact of lifestyle factors on IVF success vary by sex, infertility diagnosis and socioeconomic factors. Despite counseling to the contrary, many patients perceive benefit to rigorous exercise during the IVF cycle and complete bedrest following transfer. Results provide insight into patient beliefs and highlight opportunities to improve patient education, alleviate patient anxieties and potentially improve IVF outcomes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and psychiatric disorders: Co-morbidity and heritability in a nationwide Swedish cohort

“… A prescription for an antidepressant does not guarantee that the medication was actually consumed, which could lead to women with a dispensation being misclassified as exposed. Women planning to become pregnant are often conscientious about lifestyle factors that could affect conception [125], and they may decide to discontinue their medication directly before or during their IVF cycle.…”

Depression, anxiety, and antidepressant treatment in women: association with in vitro fertilization outcome

“…A prescription does not guarantee that the medication was actually consumed, which could lead to cycles being misclassified as exposed. Women planning to become pregnant are often conscientious about lifestyle factors that could affect conception (49), so they may be less compliant with their medication. Additionally, antidepressants are not exclusively prescribed for depression and anxiety, and can be prescribed for other indications.…”

Fit to father? Online accounts of lifestyle changes and help‐seeking on a male infertility board

“…Notably, women would provide 'knowledge' to male posters on particular topics, often reporting their partner's experiences or outcomes as supporting evidence for their posts. Other research has suggested that women may have greater awareness of lifestyle factors in relation to infertility (Hawkins et al 2014), and that women may be 'prescribers' of lifestyle regimes to their male partners (Porter and Bhattacharya 2008). Men can, however, claim agency in enacting lifestyle changes, and given that men themselves were seeking help and support this offers some evidence of male engagement in the reproductive realm.…”