New research reveals impact of obesity on IVF

A new study has demonstrated the impact obesity can have on IVF treatment. 

Scientists at the University of Colorado in Denver found the normal dose of medication needed for a woman's eggs to be harvested successfully may be ineffective in obese individuals.

They discovered obese patients were more likely to experience the GnRH antagonist medication clearing from their body too quickly, which means there is a risk the brain will tell the body to discharge eggs from the ovaries prematurely.

Dr Nanette Santoro of the University of Colorado said the researchers were surprised to find this and think it may be a reason why obese women tend to have a higher rate of unsuccessful IVF cycles than individuals at normal weight.

"Our findings indicate obese women may need a different or increased dosing regimen to improve fertility treatment outcomes," she added.

Dr Santoro said the cost of IVF and stress of infertility means it is important to ensure every woman who undergoes the treatment has as high a chance of conceiving as possible.