Prolonged Ovarian Stimulation Does Not Worsen Neonatal Outcomes After Fresh Embryo Transfers.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Neonatal Health
• In Vitro Fertilization

Background:

• Ovarian stimulation protocols are crucial in assisted reproductive technologies.
• The duration of ovarian stimulation may influence pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
• Understanding these relationships is vital for optimizing IVF success and infant well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between prolonged ovarian stimulation and neonatal outcomes.
• To determine if extended stimulation periods affect birthweight, gestational age, or other neonatal parameters.
• To assess risks in singleton newborns following autologous fresh embryo transfer (fET).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study involving 3529 patients undergoing autologous IVF.
• Data collected from university-affiliated centers between August 2016 and December 2022.
• Univariate, multivariate regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were employed.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between stimulation duration and birthweight or gestational age.
• Categorical analyses showed no increased risk for low birthweight, macrosomia, SGA, LGA, or preterm birth.
• Propensity score matching confirmed these findings, indicating no adverse neonatal effects.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged ovarian stimulation does not appear to be linked to adverse neonatal outcomes in singleton infants.
• The duration of ovarian stimulation is unlikely to pose a risk for newborns conceived via autologous fET.
• Current findings support current IVF practices regarding stimulation duration and neonatal health.