The consequences of cesarean section and vaginal delivery on ovarian reserve in infertile women

Abstract

According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), although the rate of cesarean section is increasing worldwide, one out of every five births is performed by cesarean section. Cesarean section is life saving for both mother and baby depending on the situation. However, it also brings some complications. Its effect on fertility also raises concerns. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consequences of cesarean section on ovarian reserve. Anti-Mullerian hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, Estradiol, antral follicle count, ovarian volume, and ovarian elastography results of 120 patients under the age of 30 who were not obese and were compatible with the criteria for unexplained infertility of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine were analyzed in both pre-pregnancy and postpartum period. There were 57 patients with vaginal delivery and 63 patients with cesarean section. Differences between the groups according to the mode of delivery and between the pre-pregnancy and postpartum groups were investigated. There was no statistically significant difference for the vaginal birth group in terms of AFC, AMH, FSH, LH, E2, SWE and ovarian volumes between pre-pregnancy and postpartum. In the cesarean section group, AFC, AMH and ovarian volumes were found to be significantly lower in the postpartum period than before pregnancy. As a result, cesarean delivery may have negative consequences for ovarian reserve tests.