In Vitro Fertilization should not be the First Approach in Obesity-Related Infertility

Kersbergen, Hannah (2021) In Vitro Fertilization should not be the First Approach in Obesity-Related Infertility. Bachelor's Thesis, Life Science and Technology.

Preview	Text bLST_2021_KersbergenHC.pdf Download (733kB) | Preview
	Text toestemming.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (115kB)

Abstract

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method in which an egg is fertilized with a sperm cell outside the body. Couples that are unable to conceive within a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse are considered infertile and are eligible for IVF. Where IVF used to be available mainly for obvious infertility problems such as fallopian tube obstruction, it is now increasingly possible to undergo IVF for no apparent medical reason, resulting in long waiting lists. Often there are also couples with obesity that have trouble in getting pregnant on these lists. This thesis shows that obesity, defined as a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2, has a substantial effect on the fertility of a couple. Obesity is a result of energy disbalance, leading to a dysregulation of multiple hormones. High levels of the hormones insulin and leptin in obesity induce leptin and insulin resistance. This negatively affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis resulting in impaired sex hormone production. In obese women this can lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles and in obese men to few or dysfunctional sperm. The hormonal dysregulation also has adverse effects on the IVF process and could lead to complications during the pregnancy. A change in lifestyle by losing weight results in increased fertility in both obese women and men. To reduce the waiting lists and to prevent complications during IVF and pregnancy, obese couples should therefore lose weight before initiating the IVF process.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Scheurink, A.J.W.
Degree programme:	Life Science and Technology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	09 Aug 2021 16:08
Last Modified:	09 Aug 2021 16:08
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/25630

Actions (login required)

View Item