The effect of female tobacco smoking on IVF outcomes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is widely believed to be associated with decreased fecundity in naturally conceiving populations; however, the effect of female smoking on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 389 consecutive patients undergoing first cycle IVF was performed. Outcomes of peak estradiol (E₂) levels, log mean ovarian volume, number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity in ICSI, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, embryo quality, percentage of high-quality embryos, pregnancy and live birth were assessed in patients reported as never smokers, past smokers and current smokers. Potential confounding variables evaluated included day 3 FSH, number of oocytes retrieved, embryo quality, caffeine and alcohol consumption. The population was also stratified by female age (<35 and ≥35 years). RESULTS: A total of 9.3% of our patients reported current smoking and 12.1% reported a history of smoking. Smoking status did not significantly affect pregnancy outcome, live birth rate or any other indicated outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 21.4% of IVF patients in this study had past or present exposure to cigarette smoking with no measurable effect on IVF outcome.