IVF: egg retrieval in summer increases the chances by 30% - A la une

2023-07-20 15:09:35

July 20, 2023

IVF protocols initiated during the summer would be more effective, in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, compared to those starting in the fall. Details.

What if the effectiveness of IVF protocols, in particular the oocyte retrieval offered to women to fertilize a spermatozoon and obtain an embryo in vitro, were more effective on sunny days? If it is not spontaneous to think of the season when we begin a course of medically assisted procreation (PMA), the question was nevertheless posed by Australian researchers associated with theEuropean society of human reproduction and embryology.

In this case, the team of Dr Sebastian Leathersich, obstetrician gynecologist specializing in reproduction and infertility* compared the medical files of couples in PMA course, all followed for infertility at the Perth clinic (Australia) between January 2013 and December 2021. In total, 3,659 frozen embryo transfers could be made from 1,835 couples and 2,155 .

In details, ” transferring thawed embryos from oocytes collected during the summer season to the woman’s uterus increases the chances of live births by 30%”, detail the researchers. And this, compared to oocytes retrieved during the fall.

Beyond the season, the scientists were able to prove that the chances of success were 28% when the egg retrieval was carried out on a sunny day. An observation made using data collected by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. From oocytes retrieved and then frozen during days with low sunlight, the chances of live births are 25.8%, compared to 30.4% when this same process occurs on days when the sun is shining.

Transfers when the temperature drops?

On the other hand, the transfer of embryos after thawing therefore seems less effective if it occurs when the temperature is high. ” When it is hot, the chances of live births decrease by 18% compared to transfers carried out in moderate temperatures says Dr. Leathersich. The risk of miscarriage increases from 5.5% to 7.6% between mild temperatures and higher ones.

Of course, these seasonal observations are by no means miraculous. And should not make couples forget that ” other environmental factors can act in favor of the success of IVF: stopping smoking, alcohol, maintaining physical activity and maintaining a normal BMI ».

To note : « it would also be interesting to conduct this study in men to assess the impact of the season and sunshine on sperm criteria concludes Dr. Leathersich.

*Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, City Fertility Centre, and the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth, Australia