Association between iron deficiency and fertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Hematology
• Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Iron deficiency is prevalent in women with infertility.
• The impact of iron deficiency treatment on conception and pregnancy outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between iron deficiency treatment and conception and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose infusion in improving fertility and pregnancy success.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational cohort study of 292 women (<43 years) with infertility and iron deficiency (s-ferritin ≤30 μg/L).
• Data collected from 2015-2020 at Dextra Fertility Clinic, Helsinki, Finland.
• Treatment involved intravenous ferric carboxymaltose infusion (500 mg i.v.). Outcomes assessed: live birth and miscarriage rates before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• Mean s-ferritin levels increased from 16.2 μg/L to 81.5 μg/L post-infusion.
• Conception rates increased from 65% to 77% (p<0.001).
• Live birth rates increased from 26% to 51%, while miscarriage rates decreased from 28% to 13% (p<0.001).
• Adjusted analysis showed iron treatment associated with higher live birth rates (OR=3.19) and lower miscarriage rates (OR=0.32).

Conclusions:

• Correction of iron deficiency positively impacts conception and pregnancy outcomes, including higher live birth rates and lower miscarriage rates.
• Intravenous iron infusion is an effective treatment for improving fertility in women with iron deficiency.
• Screening iron status is recommended for patients experiencing infertility.