Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Body mass index, follicle-stimulating hormone and their predictive value in in vitro fertilization
Kathrin Ferlitsch1, Michael O Sator, Doris M Gruber
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Vienna, General Hospital, Vienna, Austria. kathrin.ferlitsch@akh-wien.ac.at
Purpose:
The objective was to explore whether body mass and day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone have predictive value on odds of pregnancy after in vitro fertilisation. Few studies show that obesity produces a variety of alterations in the reproductive system, and that women with an elevation of day 3 FSH have declining ovarian function.
Methods:
The data of one-hundred-seventy-one women who underwent a standard regime of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was analyzed with particular reference to variations in body mass and hormone levels.
Results:
By raising BMI and FSH (mIU/mL) by one unit, the odds for pregnancy were decreased by the respective factors 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.97) and 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.59-1.00).
Conclusions:
The results demonstrate that for the purpose of raising the odds of pregnancy BMI should be reduced. A low FSH value may cause the same effect. Nontheless, obesity and hormonal function may be independent risk factors for failure in assisted reproduction.
Related Concept Videos
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Infertility in Males
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Folliculogenesis
