WHY IS THERE A BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) LIMIT FOR IVF?

26 November 20212′ read2 sections

CONTENTS

Can I get pregnant with a high BMI?
What is the optimal BMI when trying to get pregnant?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be especially important when you are trying to conceive, whether naturally or through IVF, so it is important to make sure you are a healthy weight. A high BMI may mean that the success rates of fertility treatments, including IVF, ICSI and IUI, are affected.

A high BMI can affect how your ovaries function and how your body responds to any medication used in fertility treatment, both of which are particularly important factors in IVF. If your BMI is higher than recommended, it could also mean you are at greater risk of pregnancy complications, which is why most fertility clinics have a maximum and minimum BMI limit to make sure you are safe.

BMI is not only an issue for women — men also need to watch their weight to make sure their sperm is not affected. Men who are overweight may have problems with sperm motility as well as sperm count.

Can I get pregnant with a high BMI?

You can get pregnant if your BMI is either higher or lower than the healthy range, although your chances of success may be affected. Studies have shown that a high BMI can affect the quality of your eggs, while a very low BMI can affect your chances of pregnancy and may also increase the risk of complications.

What is the optimal BMI when trying to get pregnant?

The ideal BMI for getting pregnant, whether naturally or through IVF, is between 19 and 25. IVF can generally be less successful in women with a BMI over 30. A high BMI may also be associated with anaesthetic risks during egg retrieval and with pregnancy complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

When you are planning to start IVF, it is important to make sure you follow a healthy lifestyle, as this can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

*The content of this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have about medical conditions.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Can I get pregnant with a high BMI?

What is the optimal BMI when trying to get pregnant?

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?