Influence of tobacco on female fertility

Objective:

To investigate the effect of smoking on oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study where we analyzed 200 cycles of our oocyte donation program, which were classified into donors (D) and recipients (R) according to whether they were non-smokers (NF) or smokers of more than 10 cigarettes a day (F). This model allowed us to evaluate both elements separately, analyzing the evolution of oocytes from DF and DNF in RNF; and the effect on endometrial receptivity with DNF oocytes in RF and RNF. The first statistical approximation was made using the Student’s T test.

Results

Clínica de Fertilidad

In relation to oocyte quality we observe:

  • A 12.1% decrease in the number of eggs obtained from smoking donors.

  • A 26% increase in the fragmentation rate on day 3 of development in embryos from eggs of smokers compared to those of non-smokers.

  • There is a 20.4% decrease in the pregnancy rate in cycles of smoking donors compared to non-smokers, in the group of non-smoking recipients.

Clínica de Fertilidad

In relation to endometrial receptivity we observe:

  • Taking into account only eggs from non-smoking donors, there is a 20% reduction in the pregnancy rate in smoking recipients compared to non-smokers and a 30% decrease in the implantation rate.

Conclusions

A clear negative trend of smoking on endometrial receptivity and, to a lesser extent, on oocyte quality is observed. Although the differences observed were not significant with the parametric test used, it seems clear that the increase in n for each study group, as well as the use of non-parametric tests, could allow us to define the statistical differences between them in the future.

“Take care of your health, take care of your body and always consult your specialist”

Dr. Arturo Valdés
Dr. Arturo Valdés
Fertility expert
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