Short-term application of ibuprofen before ovulation.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology and fertility research.
• Pharmacology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Background:

• Selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have demonstrated negative impacts on female fertility.
• Limited data exists on the effects of non-selective COX inhibitors, like ibuprofen, on fertility, leading to cautious recommendations for women trying to conceive.
• Ibuprofen is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential negative effects of ibuprofen on oocyte competence and embryo quality.
• To evaluate the safety of ibuprofen use around ovulation in the context of natural cycle in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Main Methods:

• Observational study comparing ibuprofen-exposed and unexposed women (18-42 years) undergoing natural cycle IVF.
• Monitoring follicular growth and triggering ovulation; ibuprofen administered to women with luteinizing hormone (LH) surge to postpone ovulation.
• Analysis of oocyte retrieval rate, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, embryo development, embryo quality, and implantation rate.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in the rates of mature oocytes or implantation between the ibuprofen and control groups.
• Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between ibuprofen intake, LH levels, or infertility reasons and embryo quality.

Conclusions:

• Ibuprofen use around ovulation does not appear to negatively impact oocyte competence or embryo quality in natural cycle IVF.
• The findings suggest that ibuprofen can be safely used as an analgesic treatment in this specific patient population.