To analyze characteristics and subsequent outcomes of patients who failed their first cycle using vitrified donor oocytes (no available blastocysts) and required a replacement lot to those who did not. This was a retrospective cohort study at a multicenter assisted reproductive technology practice. Patients were included if no blastocysts were suitable for transfer after using a vitrified donor oocyte lot from a large, national donor oocyte consortium between 2018 and 2022. Patients were excluded if they opted out of using a replacement lot for the exposure group, or if they had uterine factor and/or severe male factor infertility. They were compared to patients who did not require a replacement lot during the same time period for the primary outcome of live birth and secondary outcomes of fertilization, blastulation, and clinical pregnancy. There were a total of 70 recipient couples who used a replacement lot compared to 1012 recipient couples who did not (controls). There were similar baseline characteristics in both cohorts, with most couples using partner sperm and opting out of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). From patients using replacement lots, 41 (59
BACKGROUND:The number of women undergoing ovarian stimulation for either in vitro fertilization or planned oocyte cryopreservation for conception or fertility preservation has remarkably increased over the past decade. Prior to undergoing ovarian stimulation, patients are typically counseled about risks, including medication reactions, surgical risks, and anticipated number of oocytes from each cycle based on ovarian reserve testing. One possible side effect that is a common concern among patients is what amount of weight change might be expected during the treatment cycle. However, there are very limited data on how much weight can change during modern ovarian stimulation treatment cycles. OBJECTIVE:To determine the mean weight change for patients undergoing ovarian stimulation and to evaluate whether this differed in patients diagnosed with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and/or those undergoing multiple cycles. STUDY DESIGN:Retrospective cohort study of 22,106 antagonist ovarian stimulation cycles with weight collected prior to stimulation and on the day of retrieval (n=8332) or postretrieval (n=13,774) from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2023. Main outcome was mean weight fluctuation (kg) from baseline weight during ovarian stimulation. P values were obtained from linear regression models fitted with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS:Mean weight gain for the entire cohort was 0.64±1.64 kg, ranging from 2.3 to 6.8 kg. Smaller initial body mass index and higher oocytes retrieved were associated with greater weight gain. Weight gain among patients diagnosed with ovarian hyperstimulation was 47% higher than patients who did not develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (0.94 kg vs 0.64 kg), but this difference was not statistically significant (P=.08). There was no difference in time of return to baseline weight in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome vs those without ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after retrieval. There was no difference in return to baseline weight in those with higher number of oocytes retrieved (≥10) vs those with lower number of oocytes retrieved (<10). For patients who underwent multiple cycles, there was no difference in the weight gained in each subsequent cycle compared to the first cycle. CONCLUSION:Our study is the first large cohort to report weight changes during antagonist ovarian stimulation cycles, which was on average modest and temporary. Patients of low body mass index, recipients of dual trigger, and ≥10 oocytes retrieved exhibited higher weight gain.
Infertility is a growing global health issue that significantly affects quality of life (QoL). Understanding its impact on QoL is essential for developing effective healthcare interventions. This study explored QoL, well-being, and spiritual needs among individuals affected by infertility, with implications for healthcare provision. Standardized questionnaire data from an anonymous mixed-methods study that was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023 in Switzerland and addressing QoL (FertiQoL), spiritual needs (SpNQ-20), and psychological well-being (WHO-5) of individuals undergoing fertility treatments. The analysis included 326 participants. FertiQoL scores were lowest in the emotional domain (M = 46.35) and highest in the relational domain (M = 68.51), with a mean overall score of 56.69, indicating moderate QoL impacts. Participants without children reported significantly lower FertiQoL and WHO-5 well-being scores than those with children (p < 0.05). The WHO-5 mean score indicated moderate well-being (M = 13.89). SpNQ-20 results showed the highest needs in inner peace (M = 1.82), followed by generativity (M = 1.09) and existential needs (M = 0.86), with religious needs scoring the lowest (M = 0.43). Participants without children had significantly higher spiritual needs (p < 0.05). This study highlights the emotional and spiritual challenges of infertility, revealing differences in experiences between individuals with and without children. It emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and well-being in infertility care. Further research should focus on the psychological impacts of fertility treatments, including depressive mood states.
