Smoking and in-vitro fertilization

One-hundred and fourteen patients who underwent IVF treatment were asked about their smoking habits. Their rhodanide (SCN) concentrations were then estimated in serum and follicular fluid. SCN has been identified as an indicator for the amount of cigarettes smoked. The IVF outcome of non-smokers was compared with that of the smokers and no significant differences of fertilization rate and pregnancy rate between the two groups were found, but the SCN concentrations in serum and follicular fluid were increased in smokers (P less than 0.05). The effect of cigarette smoke toxins was perhaps not observable because other factors influencing the IVF treatment could possibly overlap with the influence of these particular toxins.