Lifestyle behaviors in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a prospective study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the lifestyle behaviors of women before and during an IVF cycle.

Design: Prospective survey.

Setting: Private academically affiliated infertility center.

Patient(s): One hundred eighteen women, ages 18-44, scheduled to undergo an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle using their own eggs.

Intervention(s): None.

Main outcome measure(s): Lifestyle history and daily habit survey.

Result(s): In the month before their IVF cycle, 92% exercised, 3% smoked, 73% drank alcohol, 76% drank caffeinated beverages, 14% took herbs, and 30% underwent acupuncture. During their ART cycle, 100% exercised, 2% smoked, 49% drank alcohol, 77% drank caffeine, 12% took herbs, and 47% underwent acupuncture.

Conclusion(s): This is the first prospective assessment of numerous lifestyle habits during an ART cycle. A number of surprising observations were made. Despite physician recommendation against it, some ART patients took herbs while cycling. Patients continue to exercise regularly and drink caffeine daily, and almost half continued to drink alcohol. Lifestyle behavior counseling should be considered for patients pursuing ART.

Clinical trial registration number: NCT01119391.