July: The Heart of Summer
It is well established that pregnancies conceived naturally exhibit seasonal variation worldwide. This pattern is influenced by a combination of environmental, sociological, and behavioral factors.
The evidence regarding the influence of seasonality on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains inconclusive. To date, it is still unclear whether environmental factors such as season, ambient temperature, and the duration of daylight affect oocyte development, embryo implantation, or the progression of pregnancy.
A very recent study from Australia (S. J. Leathersich et al., 2023) found that the likelihood of achieving pregnancy and live birth following in vitro fertilization (IVF) was approximately 30% higher when oocyte retrieval was performed during the summer compared with the autumn.
When ovarian stimulation was carried out during the winter or spring, intermediate success rates were observed. These findings suggest that environmental factors may have a greater influence on oocyte development and retrieval than on embryo implantation or the subsequent progression of pregnancy.
Melatonin may play an important role in explaining these findings. Levels of this hormone are typically higher during the winter and spring, while oocyte development within the ovaries takes approximately 3–6 months before the eggs become mature and ready for ovulation. Conversely, during the summer and at higher ambient temperatures, the risk of miscarriage appears to increase.
These findings should be confirmed by further prospective studies before definitive conclusions can be drawn. While optimizing modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight remains essential, it may also be worthwhile to consider environmental influences such as seasonality when seeking to improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive treatment.
Similarly, in the context of fertility preservation treatments—where there is often greater flexibility in scheduling—it may be appropriate to consider the findings of such studies when determining the optimal timing of treatment.
Season at the time of oocyte collection and frozen embryo transfer outcomes, S.J. Leathersich, C.S. Roche, M. Walls, E. Nathan, R.J. Hart ,Human Reproduction,2023
Covers regular screenings, health check-ups, and the importance of early detection for maintaining long-term health.
Focuses on essential nutrients, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle choices that support women’s health and well-being.
Includes information on hormonal health, menstrual health, pregnancy, menopause, and managing common conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth. For science, music, sport, etc, Europe uses the same vocabulary.
The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth. For science, music, sport, etc, Europe uses the same vocabulary. The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth. For science, music, sport.
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