Impact of Seasonal Egg Collection on IVF Success: Insights from Australian Study

Collecting human eggs for fertility treatment during the summer may lead to more favorable outcomes compared to the fall, according to a recent Australian study published in Human Reproduction.

The research, conducted over an eight-year period, analyzed outcomes from frozen embryo transfers and explored the potential influence of the season and duration of sunshine on IVF success.

Key Findings:

1. Seasonal Impact:

   • The study revealed that the live birth rate following frozen embryo transfer was 30% higher when eggs were collected in summer compared to fall.
   • The time of year when embryos were implanted did not significantly affect the live birth rate.

2. Research Method:

   • The researchers examined outcomes from all frozen embryo transfers at a Perth clinic from January 2013 to December 2021, involving more than 3,600 transfers from 2,155 IVF cycles in 1,835 patients.
   • The study also investigated birth outcomes based on season, temperatures, and hours of bright sunshine.

3. Additional Factors:

   • Live birth rates were higher when eggs were collected during days with the most sunshine.
   • The temperature on the day of egg collection did not impact fertility treatment success, but live birth rates decreased on the hottest days compared to cooler days.

4. Melatonin and Egg Development:

   • The study proposed a theory involving melatonin, a sleep hormone with antioxidant qualities. Higher melatonin levels during winter, when exposure is more significant, might impact the development competence of eggs over the preceding three to nine months.

5. Limitations and Further Research:

   • The study has limitations, and additional factors, such as lifestyle differences between seasons, may contribute to the observed effects.
   • The absence of sperm-related information in the study highlights the need for more comprehensive research.

6. Caution in Delaying IVF:

   • Experts caution against delaying IVF based on seasonal considerations, emphasizing the potential risks associated with postponing treatment.

7. Call for Ongoing Research:

   • The researchers stress the importance of ongoing research to understand and validate the findings, acknowledging the role of environmental factors in reproductive outcomes.

Expert Perspectives:

• Dr. Sebastian Leathersich, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of recognizing environmental influences on egg development and fertility outcomes. He suggests that while more research is needed, individuals can positively influence fertility outcomes through factors like avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Dr. Evan Taerk, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, underscores the need for comprehensive studies to unravel the complexities of environmental impacts on IVF outcomes. He urges caution in interpreting the association between seasons and live birth rates, highlighting the multifaceted nature of factors influencing fertility.

Continued research in this area is deemed crucial to reducing the burden of IVF treatment and enhancing its success.

Reference: IVF success may depend on what season eggs are collected, study finds - National | Globalnews.ca