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Zhou J, Zhang Y, Teng Y, Dou L, Chen H, Tao F, Huang K. Association between preconception body mass index and fertility in adult female: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13804. [PMID: 39054661 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Obesity potentially reduces fertility, but systematic reviews are lacking to summarize the existing literature. Therefore, we systematically summarized the association between preconception body mass index (BMI) and fertility in adult female based on existing reports. Up to September 2023, we conducted literature retrievals in different databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley, and ScienceDirect. Finally, 18 studies were included. Female with overweight/obesity (FOR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.90), obesity (FOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.83), and overweight (FOR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99) was associated with the significant time-to-pregnancy (TTP) prolongation (reduced fecundability). Interestingly, underweight was moderately associated with prolonged TTP in females (FOR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99). Female overweight/obesity was associated with an increased risk of subfecundity (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.72) and infertility (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.31-1.94). The findings emphasize the importance of considering appropriate preconception BMI at the population level for female fertility outcomes. In particular, prepregnancy obesity in females is strongly associated with prolonged TTP and increased risk of subfecundity. Scientific management of preconception BMI may improve fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuzhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Lianjie Dou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Huiru Chen
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Hefei, China
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Zhuang J, Wang Y, Wang S, Hu R, Wu Y. Association between visceral adiposity index and infertility in reproductive-aged women in the United States. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14230. [PMID: 38902300 PMCID: PMC11189895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the years, obesity has become more commonplace and has had a substantial impact on several medical specialties, including reproductive medicine. The potential correlation between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and infertility has yet to be determined. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 were included in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2020. Three tertiles were used to group VAI levels. Subgroup analysis and weighted binary logistic regression were employed to investigate the independent relationship between VAI and infertility. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore nonlinear relationships. This cross-sectional study followed the criteria of the STROBE guidelines. Of the 1231 participants, 127 were infertile women aged 18-45 years. A higher VAI was associated with a higher prevalence of infertility (OR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.03-1.45), which remained consistent across all subgroups (p > 0.05 for all interactions). We demonstrated a positive nonlinear association between VAI and infertility using a smooth curve fit. A higher visceral adiposity index level is positively correlated with a higher incidence of infertility among women in the United States. Women who are infertile can be identified using the visceral obesity index, and controlling visceral obesity may help lower the chances of becoming infertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaru Zhuang
- Human Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 1000 Hefeng Road, Wuxi, 214026, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Human Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 1000 Hefeng Road, Wuxi, 214026, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Wang
- Human Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 1000 Hefeng Road, Wuxi, 214026, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Renjing Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, 68 Zhongshan Road, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 1000 Hefeng Road, Wuxi, 214026, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Deng C, Ke X, Lin L, Fan Y, Li C. Association between indicators of visceral lipid accumulation and infertility: a cross-sectional study based on U.S. women. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:186. [PMID: 38872138 PMCID: PMC11170861 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on the association between visceral lipid accumulation and infertility remains limited and controversial. Therefore, the current investigation is the first investigation to unveil this correlation by utilizing novel indicators of visceral lipid accumulation. METHODS The present study utilized the NHANES 2013-2020 dataset. Researchers utilized multiple logistic regression, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analysis to investigate the associations of waist circumference (WC), metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI) with infertility. Additionally, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm model was utilized to evaluate the relative importance of the factors. RESULTS After adjusting for potential factors that could influence the results, researchers discovered that all these four indicators of visceral lipid accumulation exhibited strong positive correlations with the probability of infertility. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the correlations remained consistent in the majority of subgroups (P for interaction > 0.05). The results of XGBoost algorithm model indicate that METS-VF is the most meaningful factor in infertility. The ROC curve research revealed that while METS-VF had the greatest AUC values, there was no variation in the AUC value of different markers of visceral fat accumulation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present investigation discovered that increased WC, METS-VF, LAP, and VAI were associated with a heightened prevalence of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyuan Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinpeng Ke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangcai Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chaohui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Warp ML, Grindstad T, Magnus MC, Page CM, Håberg SE, Morken NH, Romundstad LB, Hanevik HI. Early or late menarche is associated with reduced fecundability in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:812-821. [PMID: 38323524 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is age at menarche associated with fecundability? SUMMARY ANSWER Both early (<11 years) and late (>15 years) menarche is associated with decreased fecundability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies on age at menarche and fecundability have been inconclusive. Women with early or late menarche are at increased risks of gynaecological and autoimmune diseases that may affect their ability to conceive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 67 613 pregnant women, participating in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study between 1999 and 2008, with self-reported information on age at menarche and time to pregnancy. We included planned pregnancies that were conceived either naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We calculated fecundability ratios (FRs) with 95% CIs representing the cycle-specific probability of conception by categories of age at menarche. FRs were adjusted for participants' pre-pregnancy body mass index, highest completed or ongoing education level, and age at initiation of trying to conceive. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed a 7% lower probability of conceiving during any given menstrual cycle up to 12 cycles in women with early or late menarche. Among women with menarche >15 years, the adjusted FR was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90-0.97), and among women with menarche <11 years, the adjusted FR was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89-0.99), when compared to women with menarche between 12 and 14 years. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study-population consisted of women pregnant in their second trimester, excluding those with persistent infertility. Recall of age at menarche and time to pregnancy may be inaccurate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Both early (<11 years) and late (>15 years) menarche was associated with decreased fecundability. Women experiencing early menarche or late menarche may be counselled accordingly. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway, and by Telemark Hospital Trust, Porsgrunn, Norway and was partly supported by the Research Council of Norway through its centres of excellence funding scheme (project number 262700) and the Research Council of Norway (project no. 320656). The project was co-funded by the European Union (ERC, BIOSFER, 101071773). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. M.C.M. has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 947684). The authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Warp
- Telemark Hospital Trust, Fertility Department Soer, Porsgrunn, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - T Grindstad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - M C Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - C M Page
- Department of Physical Health and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - S E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - N-H Morken
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - L B Romundstad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway
| | - H I Hanevik
- Telemark Hospital Trust, Fertility Department Soer, Porsgrunn, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Pavli P, Triantafyllidou O, Kapantais E, Vlahos NF, Valsamakis G. Infertility Improvement after Medical Weight Loss in Women and Men: A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1909. [PMID: 38339186 PMCID: PMC10856238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a modern health problem. Obesity is another expanding health issue associated with chronic diseases among which infertility is also included. This review will focus on the effects of weight loss by medical therapy on fertility regarding reproductive hormonal profile, ovulation rates, time to pregnancy, implantation rates, pregnancy rates, normal embryo development, and live birth rates. We comprised medicine already used for weight loss, such as orlistat and metformin, and emerging medical treatments, such as Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). Their use is not recommended during a planned pregnancy, and they should be discontinued in such cases. The main outcomes of this literature review are the following: modest weight loss after medication and the duration of the treatment are important factors for fertility improvement. The fecundity outcomes upon which medical-induced weight loss provides significant results are the female reproductive hormonal profile, menstrual cyclicity, ovulation and conception rates, and pregnancy rates. Regarding the male reproductive system, the fertility outcomes that feature significant alterations after medically induced weight loss are as follows: the male reproductive hormonal profile, sperm motility, movement and morphology, weight of reproductive organs, and sexual function. The newer promising GLP-1 RAs show expectations regarding fertility improvement, as they have evidenced encouraging effects on improving ovulation rates and regulating the menstrual cycle. However, more human studies are needed to confirm this. Future research should aim to provide answers about whether medical weight loss therapies affect fertility indirectly through weight loss or by a possible direct action on the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Pavli
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (O.T.); (G.V.)
| | - Olga Triantafyllidou
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (O.T.); (G.V.)
| | - Efthymios Kapantais
- Department of Diabetes and Obesity, Metropolitan Hospital, 18547 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos F. Vlahos
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (O.T.); (G.V.)
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (P.P.); (O.T.); (G.V.)
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Zhong H, Yu B, Zhao F, Cui H, You L, Feng D, Lu Y. Associations between weight-adjusted-waist index and infertility: Results from NHANES 2013 to 2020. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36388. [PMID: 38050258 PMCID: PMC10695495 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Female infertility is a significant problem for women of reproductive age worldwide. Obesity has been proven to pose a danger for infertility in women. Weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) is a recently created biomarker of obesity, and this research aims to explore the relationship between female infertility and WWI. Data for this investigation were gathered from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used weighted multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, interaction testing, and smoothed curve fitting to investigate the relationship between infertility and WWI. A total of 6333 women were included and 708 (11.18%) had infertility. It was discovered that women with higher WWI had increased probabilities of infertility (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.42-2.59) adjusting for confounders. In addition, WWI was linked to increased chances of infertility in women aged 28 to 36 years (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.28-1.97). According to the results of this cross-sectional survey, WWI is positively associated with infertility among adult females in the U.S. And it can help identify infertile women and may help reduce the risk of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanxin Zhong
- Gynecology Department, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Thyroid & Breast Surgery, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fen Zhao
- Gynecology Department, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyin Cui
- Gynecology Department, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lifang You
- Gynecology Department, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dao Feng
- Gynecology Department, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Gynecology Department, Linping Campus, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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He Q, Chen C, Bai S. The association between weight-adjusted-waist index and self-reported infertility among women of reproductive age in the United States. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2929-2937. [PMID: 37674342 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to determine whether the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) affected infertility in women of childbearing age in the United States. METHODS In this study, a database from the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used. We analyzed 3374 participants' data cross-sectionally. The survey used WWI and fertility status as independent and dependent variables. To determine the effect of WWI, an analysis of the independent relationship between WWI and infertility was conducted using weighted multivariable logistic regression and a generalized additive mode (GAM). A smooth curve fitting test was used to calculate whether there was a linear association between WWI and the incidence rate of infertility, as well as subgroup analyses and interaction tests. RESULTS The prevalence of infertility was 10.19% among 3374 participants. Higher WWI quartiles were associated with higher infertility rates. Based on a fully adjusted model, the effects of WWI on fertility were positive (odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.66). As a result of smooth curve fitting, the association was linear across the entire WWI. Different characteristics were associated with different risks of infertility in subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION Among women of reproductive age in the United States, WWI levels were positively associated with infertility. This relationship needs to be confirmed by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyuan He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shufen Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Pukou District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Wen Z, Li X. Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and female infertility: a population-based study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1175394. [PMID: 37614708 PMCID: PMC10442810 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1175394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Obesity is detrimental to infertility. The association between weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI, a recently developed adiposity indicator) and infertility has not previously been confirmed. Methods The data for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018. Each participant's WWI was calculated as their waist circumference in centimeters by the square root of weight in kilograms. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized additive model were utilized to investigate the relationship between WWI with infertility. We used smoothed curve fitting to explore the non-linear relationship. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also conducted. Results A total of 3,526 participants with ages from18 to 45 were enrolled, 364 of whom were infertile. With the higher WWI, infertility was more prevalent (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.22-1.65), and this association was still consistent in subgroups (all P for interaction> 0.05). Smoothed curve fitting showed a positive non-linear relationship between WWI and infertility. Furthermore, we discovered that WWI had a stronger connection with the risk of infertility than other markers of obesity including WC, body mass index (BMI) and a body shape index (ABSI). Conclusions Weight-adjusted-waist index levels were positively linked to an increased risk of infertility in American females and showed a stronger association than other markers of obesity. Our research indicated WWI could help identify women with infertility, and managing obesity as determined by WWI may help to reduce the risk of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Heyuan People’s Hospital, Heyuan, China
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Hong X, Yin J, Wang W, Zhao F, Yu H, Wang B. The current situation and future directions for the study on time-to-pregnancy: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:150. [PMID: 35752834 PMCID: PMC9233796 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As problems associated with infertility and population aging increase, there is a growing interest in the factors that cause a decline in human fertility. Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is a good indicator with which to reflect human fecundability. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of this topic. Methods Relevant qualitative and quantitative studies were identified by searching the Web of science and PubMed electronic databases. We included all literature, written in English, from inception to the 10th April 2021 providing the focus was on TTP. We conducted a narrative synthesis using thematic analysis. Results Traditional TTP-related study protocols include prospective and retrospective cohorts that provide a wealth of data to reveal potential influences on TTP. Thus far, a variety of factors have been shown to be associated with TTP in couples preparing for pregnancy, including basic demographic characteristics, menstrual status, chronic disease status, environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, and lifestyles. However, there are inevitable epidemiological bias in the existing studies, including recall bias, selection bias and measurement bias. Some methodological advances have brought new opportunities to TTP research, which make it possible to develop precision interventions for population fertility. Future TTP studies should take advantage of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-throughput sequencing technologies, and apply medical big data to fully consider and avoid possible bias in the design. Conclusion There are many opportunities and future challenges for TTP related studies which would provide a scientific basis for the “precise health management” of the population preparing for pregnancy. As the problems of infertility and population aging increase, there is a growing interest in the factors that cause a decline in human fertility. Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is a good indicator with which to reflect human fecundability, and a longer TTP is known to reflect a reduction in fertility. Many original studies, with different designs, have used TTP to explore the factors that might influence fertility, including basic demographic characteristics, chronic disease status, environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, and lifestyles. However, much of the existing evidence is inconsistent and limited by various types of bias. This review provides a synopsis of recent TTP studies, and highlights new opportunities and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiechen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Loy SL, Chan DWK, Ku CW, Cheung YB, Godfrey KM, Tan KML, Chong YS, Shek LPC, Tan KH, Chan SY, Chan JKY, Yap F. Metabolic health status and fecundability in a Singapore preconception cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:714.e1-714.e16. [PMID: 34921802 PMCID: PMC7612690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity compromises metabolic health and female fertility, yet not all obese women are similar in metabolic status. The extent to which fecundability is influenced by the metabolic health status of women who are overweight or obese before conception is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to: (1) determine the metabolic health status, and (2) examine the association between metabolic health status and fecundability of overweight and obese women trying to conceive in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes cohort study. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a prospective preconception cohort study of Asian women (Chinese, Malay, and Indian) aged 18 to 45 years trying to conceive who were treated from 2015 to 2017 in KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore (n=834). We defined women to have metabolically unhealthy status if they: (1) met 3 or more modified Joint Interim Statement metabolic syndrome criteria; or (2) had homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index ≥2.5. Body mass index was categorized as normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23-27.4 kg/m2), or obese (≥27.5 kg/m2) on the basis of cutoff points for Asian populations. Fecundability was measured by time to pregnancy in menstrual cycles within a year of enrolment. Discrete-time proportional hazards models were used to estimate fecundability odds ratios, with adjustment for confounders and accounting for left truncation and right censoring. RESULTS Of 232 overweight women, 28 (12.1%) and 25 (10.8%) were metabolically unhealthy by metabolic syndrome ≥3 criteria and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance ≥2.5, respectively. Of 175 obese women, 54 (30.9%) and 93 (53.1%) were metabolically unhealthy by metabolic syndrome ≥3 criteria and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance ≥2.5, respectively. Compared with metabolically healthy normal-weight women, lower fecundability was observed in metabolically unhealthy overweight women on the basis of metabolic syndrome criteria (fecundability odds ratios, 0.38 [95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.92]) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (fecundability odds ratios, 0.68 [95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.39]), with metabolic syndrome criteria showing a stronger association. Metabolically unhealthy obese women showed lower fecundability than the healthy normal-weight reference group by both metabolic syndrome (fecundability odds ratios, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.72) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance criteria (fecundability odds ratios, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.71). Reduced fecundability was not observed in overweight or obese women who showed healthy metabolic profiles by either definition. CONCLUSION Overweight or obesity was not synonymous with having metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance. In our preconception cohort, metabolically unhealthy overweight and obese women showed reduced fecundability, unlike their counterparts who were metabolically healthy. These findings suggest that metabolic health status, rather than simply being overweight and obese per se, plays an important role in fecundability.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Ling Loy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | - Chee Wai Ku
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yin Bun Cheung
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research and Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Tampere Centre for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Yap-Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette Pei-Chi Shek
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore; Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Yap
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Bian H, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Salas-Huetos A, Bauer D, Williams PL, Souter I, Attaman J, Chavarro JE. Male waist circumference in relation to semen quality and partner infertility treatment outcomes among couples undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 115:833-842. [PMID: 34734234 PMCID: PMC8895222 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male obesity has been related to poor semen quality and may also have a negative effect on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes. Whether male waist circumference (WC), as a measure of central obesity, impacts a couple's fertility independently of BMI is unclear. OBJECTIVES To examine the associations of male WC with semen quality and couples' outcomes of infertility treatment with ART. METHODS Couples presenting to the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in the study. Between 2009 and 2019, 269 males provided 671 semen samples and 176 couples underwent 317 ART cycles. Height, weight, and WC were measured on site. We analyzed the association of male WC with semen quality and pregnancy outcomes using cluster-weighted regression models to account for repeated observations while adjusting for potential confounders. Models were also stratified by male BMI (<25 kg/m2 compared with ≥25 kg/m2). RESULTS The median male age, WC, and BMI were 36.1 years, 96.0 cm, and 26.8 kg/m2, respectively. A 5-cm increase in WC was associated with a 6.3% (95% CI, 2.1-10.5%) lower sperm concentration after adjustment for potential confounders, including BMI. Male WC was also inversely related to the probability of achieving a live birth. For each 5-cm increase in male WC, the odds of a live birth per initiated cycle decreased by 9.0% (95% CI, 1.1%-16.4%) after accounting for several anthropometric and demographic characteristics of both partners. These associations were stronger among males in the normal BMI category (<25 kg/m2) than among overweight or obese males. CONCLUSIONS A higher male WC may be an additional risk factor for poor outcomes of infertility treatment, even after accounting for male and female partner BMIs, particularly in couples where the male partner has a normal BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Bian
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Bauer
- Harvard Extension School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jill Attaman
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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The Impact of Uterine Fibroids on Fertility: How the Uncertainty Widens the Gap in Reproductive Outcomes in Black Women. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1967-1973. [PMID: 35211882 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common pelvic tumor in women. While the decreased quality of life and significant morbidity has been implicated with UFs, several important questions regarding the effect of UFs on reproductive outcomes remain unanswered. Furthermore, there is a disproportionate impact of UFs in Black women, in whom these tumors are known to be more common and more severe. The racial difference in UF burden is heightened during prime reproductive years, during which Black women undergo surgical intervention at an astoundingly increased rate compared to other races. Despite this, Black women are underrepresented in UF and treatment outcome research, and thus the uncertainty of the impact of UFs and UF treatment on fertility and pregnancy outcomes in this population is less defined. The purpose of this review article is to discuss recent findings in the literature regarding the impact of uterine UFs on reproductive outcomes with a primary focus on the implications for Black women. Additionally, we briefly discuss the importance of increased UF research funding and investigation and propose actionable items to help increase the representation of Black women in UF research.
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Zheng Y, Dong X, Chen B, Dai J, Yang W, Ai J, Jin L. Body mass index is associated with miscarriage rate and perinatal outcomes in cycles with frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:118. [PMID: 35148705 PMCID: PMC8840631 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The association between body mass index (BMI) and IVF cycle outcomes remain inconclusive. In addition, the impact of BMI on perinatal outcomes has been less well-studied. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of BMI on pregnancy outcomes, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study on 10,252 frozen-thawed cycles with single blastocyst transfer between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into four groups: underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal-weight (18.5–24 kg/m2), overweight (24–28 kg/m2), and obesity (≥ 28 kg/m2), according to the Chinese classification. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate general linear model were used for statistical analysis. Results The rates of live birth and clinical pregnancy were comparable among groups. Miscarriage rate was higher in the obese women than that in the normal controls (27.51 vs. 20.91%, aOR = 1.453 (1.066–1.982)). Using the normal-weight women as reference, the underweight women had lower incidences of preterm birth (6.97 vs. 11.19%, aOR = 0.611 (0.422–0.884)), macrosomia (4.90 vs. 8.65%, aOR = 0.544 (0.353–0.837)) and large-for-gestational age (LGA, 11.18 vs. 16.54%, aOR = 0.643 (0.477–0.866)); the overweight women had higher prevalence of gestational diabetes (6.56 vs. 3.82%, aOR = 1.744 (1.232–2.468)), hypertension (4.42 vs. 2.32%, aOR = 1.822 (1.186–2.800)), macrosomia (12.93 vs. 8.65%, aOR = 1.596 (1.240–2.054)) and LGA (23.22 vs. 16.54%, aOR = 1.549 (1.270–1.890)); the obese women had higher incidences of preterm birth (16.87 vs. 11.19%, aOR = 1.646 (1.068–2.536)), cesarean delivery (93.98 vs. 87.91%, aOR = 2.078 (1.083–3.987)), gestational hypertension (4.82 vs. 2.32%, aOR = 2.138 (1.005–4.547)), macrosomia (14.88 vs. 8.65%, aOR = 1.880 (1.192–2.964)) and LGA (25.60 vs. 16.54%, aOR = 1.764 (1.218–2.555)). Conclusions BMI has no significant effect on the chance of pregnancy or live birth, but obesity increases the risk of miscarriage. Underweight is associated with better maternal and neonatal outcomes, while overweight and obesity are associated with worse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04443-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiyuan Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Biao Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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14
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Loy SL, Ku CW, Cheung YB, Godfrey KM, Chong YS, Shek LPC, Tan KH, Yap FKP, Bernard JY, Chen H, Chan SY, Tan TY, Chan JKY. Fecundability in reproductive aged women at risk of sexual dysfunction and associated risk factors: a prospective preconception cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:444. [PMID: 34172036 PMCID: PMC8228958 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent problem, affecting up to 41% of reproductive aged women worldwide. However, the association between female sexual function (FSF) and fecundability in women attempting to conceive remains unclear. We aimed 1) to examine the association between FSF in reproductive-aged preconception Asian women and fecundability, as measured by time-to-pregnancy in menstrual cycles, and 2) to examine lifestyle and behavioral factors associated with FSF. METHODS From the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) prospective cohort, we evaluated FSF using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) and ascertained time-to-pregnancy within a year of baseline assessment. We estimated fecundability ratio (FR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the discrete-time proportional hazards model, accounting for left-truncation and right censoring. We used multivariable logistic and linear regression models to identify potential factors related to FSF. RESULTS Among 513 participants, 58.9% had low FSF as defined by a total FSFI-6 score at or below the median value of 22. Compared to women with high FSF, those with low FSF had a 27% reduction in fecundability (FR 0.73; 95% CI 0.54, 0.99), with adjustment for age, ethnicity, education, parity and body mass index. Overall, the FRs generally reduced with decreasing FSFI-6 scores. Physical activity, obesity, absence of probable depression and anxiety were independently associated with reduced odds of low FSF and increased FSFI-6 scores, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Low FSF is associated with a longer time-to-pregnancy. Early evaluation and optimization of FSF through increased physical activity and optimal mental health may help to improve female fecundity. The finding of obese women having improved FSF remains uncertain which warrants further investigations on plausibly mechanisms. In general, the current finding highlights the importance of addressing FSF in preconception care service for general women, which is currently lacking as part of the fertility promotion effort in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Ling Loy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 117609 Singapore
| | - Chee Wai Ku
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Yin Bun Cheung
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research and Center for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Keith M. Godfrey
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
- National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
| | - Yap-Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 117609 Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
| | - Lynette Pei-Chi Shek
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 117609 Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, 119074 Singapore
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Fabian Kok Peng Yap
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921 Singapore
| | - Jonathan Y. Bernard
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 117609 Singapore
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Inserm, INRAE, F75004 Paris, France
| | - Helen Chen
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 117609 Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
| | - Tse Yeun Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857 Singapore
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15
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Risk score to stratify miscarriage risk levels in preconception women. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12111. [PMID: 34103654 PMCID: PMC8187346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous miscarriage is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Even though some risk factors are well documented, there is a paucity of risk scoring tools during preconception. In the S-PRESTO cohort study, Asian women attempting to conceive, aged 18-45 years, were recruited. Multivariable logistic regression model coefficients were used to determine risk estimates for age, ethnicity, history of pregnancy loss, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake and dietary supplement intake; from these we derived a risk score ranging from 0 to 17. Miscarriage before 16 weeks of gestation, determined clinically or via ultrasound. Among 465 included women, 59 had miscarriages and 406 had pregnancy ≥ 16 weeks of gestation. Higher rates of miscarriage were observed at higher risk scores (5.3% at score ≤ 3, 17.0% at score 4–6, 40.0% at score 7–8 and 46.2% at score ≥ 9). Women with scores ≤ 3 were defined as low-risk level (< 10% miscarriage); scores 4–6 as intermediate-risk level (10% to < 40% miscarriage); scores ≥ 7 as high-risk level (≥ 40% miscarriage). The risk score yielded an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.67, 0.81; p < 0.001). This novel scoring tool allows women to self-evaluate their miscarriage risk level, which facilitates lifestyle changes to optimize modifiable risk factors in the preconception period and reduces risk of spontaneous miscarriage.
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16
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Purdue-Smithe AC, Kim K, Nobles C, Schisterman EF, Schliep KC, Perkins NJ, Sjaarda LA, Freeman JR, Robinson SL, Radoc JG, Mills JL, Silver RM, Ye A, Mumford SL. The role of maternal preconception vitamin D status in human offspring sex ratio. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2789. [PMID: 33986298 PMCID: PMC8119683 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary theory suggests that some animal species may experience shifts in their offspring sex ratio in response to maternal health and environmental conditions, and in some unfavorable conditions, females may be less likely to bear sons. Experimental data in both animals and humans indicate that maternal inflammation may disproportionately impact the viability of male conceptuses; however, it is unknown whether other factors associated with both pregnancy and inflammation, such as vitamin D status, are associated with the offspring sex ratio. Here, we show that among 1,228 women attempting pregnancy, preconception 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are positively associated with the live birth of a male infant, with notably stronger associations among women with elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic low-grade inflammation. Our findings suggest that vitamin D may mitigate maternal inflammation that would otherwise be detrimental to the implantation or survival of male conceptuses in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Purdue-Smithe
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Keewan Kim
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Carrie Nobles
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Karen C Schliep
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Neil J Perkins
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Lindsey A Sjaarda
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Joshua R Freeman
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Sonia L Robinson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Jeannie G Radoc
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - James L Mills
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Aijun Ye
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, US.
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Enríquez-Reyes R. Obesidad: epidemia del siglo XXI y su relación con la fertilidad. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Cohort profile: Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes (S-PRESTO). Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 36:129-142. [PMID: 33222050 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) is a preconception, longitudinal cohort study that aims to study the effects of nutrition, lifestyle, and maternal mood prior to and during pregnancy on the epigenome of the offspring and clinically important outcomes including duration of gestation, fetal growth, metabolic and neural phenotypes in the offspring. Between February 2015 and October 2017, the S-PRESTO study recruited 1039 Chinese, Malay or Indian (or any combinations thereof) women aged 18-45 years and who intended to get pregnant and deliver in Singapore, resulting in 1032 unique participants and 373 children born in the cohort. The participants were followed up for 3 visits during the preconception phase and censored at 12 months of follow up if pregnancy was not achieved (N = 557 censored). Women who successfully conceived (N = 475) were characterised at gestational weeks 6-8, 11-13, 18-21, 24-26, 27-28 and 34-36. Follow up of their index offspring (N = 373 singletons) is on-going at birth, 1, 3 and 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months and beyond. Women are also being followed up post-delivery. Data is collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires, metabolic imaging (magnetic resonance imaging), standardized anthropometric measurements and collection of diverse specimens, i.e. blood, urine, buccal smear, stool, skin tapes, epithelial swabs at numerous timepoints. S-PRESTO has extensive repeated data collected which include genetic and epigenetic sampling from preconception which is unique in mother-offspring epidemiological cohorts. This enables prospective assessment of a wide array of potential determinants of future health outcomes in women from preconception to post-delivery and in their offspring across the earliest development from embryonic stages into early childhood. In addition, the S-PRESTO study draws from the three major Asian ethnic groups that represent 50% of the global population, increasing the relevance of its findings to global efforts to address non-communicable diseases.
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Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhao J, Hong X, Zhang H, Dai Q, Wang Y, Yang X, Wang Q, Shen H, Peng Z, Zhang Y, Qi D, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Yan D, Ma X. Couples’ prepregnancy body mass index and time to pregnancy among those attempting to conceive their first pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:1067-1075. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Plasma glycemic measures and fecundability in a Singapore preconception cohort study. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:138-147. [PMID: 33070964 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between plasma glycemia in women attempting to conceive and fecundability, as measured by time to pregnancy. DESIGN Prospective preconception population-based study. SETTING Hospital. PATIENT(S) Asian preconception women, 18-45 years old, attempting conception for ≤12 cycles at study entry. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We ascertained time to pregnancy within a year of glycemic assessment in menstrual cycles. We estimated fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals using discrete-time proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and cycle regularity and accounting for left truncation and right censoring. RESULT(S) We studied a population sample of 766 women from the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes prospective cohort. Compared with women with normoglycemia, women with dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes, defined by the American Diabetes Association) had a lower FR (0.56). Compared with the respective lowest quintiles, women in the highest quintile of fasting glucose (≥5.1 mmol/L) had an FR of 0.60, while women in the highest 2-hour postload glucose quintile (≥6.9 mmol/L) had an FR of 0.66. Overall, the FRs decreased generally across the range of fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose. Glycated hemoglobin was not associated with fecundability. CONCLUSION(S) Increasing preconception plasma glucose is associated with reduced fecundability, even within the normal range of glucose concentrations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03531658.
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Hu Q, Lee J, Nelson J, Harris M, Ess RH, Rogers CR, Sanders J, VanDerslice J, Stanford JB, Schliep KC. The association between preconception body mass index and subfertility among Hispanic and non-Hispanic women: A cross-sectional study from Utah's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey (2012-2015). THE UTAH WOMEN'S HEALTH REVIEW 2020; 2020:https://uwhr.utah.edu/2020/07/. [PMID: 32914149 PMCID: PMC7480950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and subfertility within a population-based cohort, exploring Hispanic ethnicity as a potential effect modifier. METHODS We used cross-sectional study data from the Utah Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System from 2012-2015. Relationships between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and subfertility were evaluated via Poisson regression models with robust error variance, accounting for the stratified survey sampling. Preconception BMI was analyzed continuously and categorically. Women's subfertility was defined via self-report in two ways: 1) time trying to achieve pregnancy; and 2) report of using fertility-related drugs/medical procedures. RESULTS The median age was 27.0; 18.8% were obese, and 15.9% were Hispanic. Women with preconception obesity (BMI>30kg/m2), compared to normal weight women (18.4kg/ m2<BMI<25kg/m2) had a 1.85 (95% CI 1.43, 2.38) higher adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) for having subfertility defined by time trying and a 1.73 (95% CI 1.20, 2.32) higher aPR for receiving fertility-enhancing drugs/medical procedures. Continuous models indicated a linear relationship between BMI and subfertility (aPR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03, 1.06 for time trying; and 1.06, 95% CI 1.03, 1.10 for receiving fertility-enhancing drugs/medical procedures). CONCLUSIONS Obese women, but not underweight or overweight women, reported higher subfertility than normal-weight women. Findings among this cohort of at-risk new mothers, oversampled on low education and birth weight and comprised of higher than the national average of Hispanics, indicated a dose-response relationship between obesity and subfertility. IMPLICATIONS Our findings highlight the importance of population-oriented obesity prevention for at-risk women with intentions to conceive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Hu
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Jeannette Nelson
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Marci Harris
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Rebekah H Ess
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Charles R Rogers
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Jessica Sanders
- Division of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - James VanDerslice
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Joseph B Stanford
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Karen C Schliep
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
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Coital Frequency and the Probability of Pregnancy in Couples Trying to Conceive Their First Child: A Prospective Cohort Study in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17144985. [PMID: 32664373 PMCID: PMC7399901 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17144985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Low fertility persists but remains unexplained in Japan. We examined whether the probability of pregnancy was influenced by coital frequency, age, reproductive age (assessed by antimüllerian hormone, AMH), and BMI. Methods: We established a two-year prospective study with a sample of hormonally monitored Japanese women aged 23-34 years wanting to conceive their first child. For a maximum of 24 weeks participants recorded menstrual bleeding, sexual intercourse, ovulation, and pregnancy. Additional information on pregnancy and infertility treatment was collected one and two years after intake. Results: The natural conception rate and coital frequency were both low in this sample. Among 80 participants, 44% (35) naturally conceived in 24 weeks. After two years, 74% (59) of women had delivered or were currently pregnant, 50% (40) due to natural and 24% (19) due to assisted conception, and 5% (4) were lost to follow-up. By two years, 56% (45) of women had sought fertility treatment. In 18% (58/319) of the observed ovarian cycles across 24 weeks there was no intercourse in a fertile period. Higher coital frequency at intake was associated with increased probability of conception by 24 weeks of follow-up (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.02, 1.47). Chronological age, reproductive age, and BMI were not associated with the probability of pregnancy at 24 weeks. Conclusions: Our results suggest that first, natural conception rates could potentially increase with more frequent and well timed intercourse, and second that further work is needed to understand why even in a motivated sample of women monitoring their fertile periods, both the conception and coitus rates were low.
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Hu P, Cai C, Vinturache A, Hu Y, Gao Y, Zhang J, Lu M, Gu H, Qiao J, Tian Y, Ding G. Maternal preconception body mass index and time-to-pregnancy in Shanghai Women, China. Women Health 2020; 60:1014-1023. [PMID: 32605505 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2020.1784369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested an association between female fertility and body size, but most of these studies were from Western countries and focused mainly on obesity. This study investigated the association between preconception body mass index (BMI) and time to pregnancy (TTP) in women planning to conceive from Shanghai, China. A total of 1,182 women aged 24-46 years were recruited from the Shanghai Birth Cohort between 2013 and 2015 and were followed up for 12 months. Preconception BMI was categorized as underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obesity according to the Chinese classification of BMI. Fecundability (FOR) and infertility (IOR) odds ratios were estimated using Cox (n = 1,092) and Logistic (n = 820) regression models, respectively. We found no differences in fecundability between underweight and overweight/obese women and normal-weight women. Furthermore, underweight and overweight/obese women did not have a higher risk of infertility compared with normal-weight women. Our findings suggest that non-optimal preconception BMI does not appear to influence female fecundability and infertility in Chinese women. These results should be interpreted with caution as they may be applicable only to women with demographic and anthropometric characteristics similar to our study population. Our findings need to be confirmed in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Angela Vinturache
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital , Alberta, Canada
| | - Yi Hu
- Center for Medical Bioinformatics, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China
| | - Haoxiang Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Qiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China.,MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, China
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24
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Sponholtz TR, Bethea TN, Ruiz-Narváez EA, Boynton-Jarrett R, Palmer JR, Rosenberg L, Wise LA. Night Shift Work and Fecundability in Late Reproductive-Aged African American Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 30:137-144. [PMID: 32598212 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We estimated the association between night shift work and fecundability among African American women. Methods: Black Women's Health Study participants (n = 560) aged 30-45 years reported their history of night shift work in 2005. Time to pregnancy for all pregnancies resulting in a livebirth was reported in 2011. We estimated the fecundability ratio (FR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using proportional probabilities regression, accounting for multiple observations of individual women using generalized estimating equations. Results: We observed 4,417 months of pregnancy attempt time resulting in 390 births. After adjustment for covariates, women who reported ever working night shifts had 20% lower fecundability compared with those who never reported night shift work (FR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.59-1.04). The FR for women reporting night shift work with a frequency of ≥1 time per month and a duration of ≥2 years was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.47-0.94) relative to women reporting no shift work. We observed a decrease in fecundability associated with ever working night shifts (FR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.96) among women aged ≥35 years, but not among younger women (FR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.78-2.28). Conclusion: A history of working night shifts was associated with reduced fecundability among older reproductive-aged African American women attempting pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Sponholtz
- Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward A Ruiz-Narváez
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Renee Boynton-Jarrett
- Department of General Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lynn Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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A prospective study of influenza vaccination and time to pregnancy. Vaccine 2020; 38:4246-4251. [PMID: 32409134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pregnancy planners are a priority group for influenza vaccination in the United States, little is known about the extent to which influenza vaccination affects fecundability. METHODS We analyzed data from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), an ongoing preconception cohort study of North American pregnancy planners. During June 2013 to August 2019, 8654 female participants and 2137 of their male partners completed a baseline questionnaire and were followed until reported pregnancy, fertility treatment initiation, loss to follow-up, or 12 menstrual cycles of attempt time, whichever came first. At baseline, male and female participants reported whether they received an influenza vaccination in the past year and the date of vaccination. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing those who did and did not report influenza vaccination, adjusting for demographics, anthropometrics, behavioral factors, and medical history. RESULTS Influenza vaccination in the past year was more common among female participants than male participants (47% vs. 37%). FRs were 1.04 (95% CI: 0.98-1.10) for female vaccination and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.93-1.14) for male vaccination. Among the 2137 couples with complete data on both partners, for 40% neither partner was vaccinated, 23% had female-only vaccination, 9% had male-only vaccination, and in 28% both partners were vaccinated. Compared with couples in which neither participant was vaccinated, FRs were 1.13 for female-only vaccination (95% CI: 0.99-1.29), 0.94 for male-only vaccination (95% CI: 0.78-1.12), and 1.07 when both partners were vaccinated (95% CI: 0.94-1.21). When restricted to recent vaccination before peak influenza season, results were similar. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate no adverse effect of influenza vaccination on fecundability.
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Mintziori G, Nigdelis MP, Mathew H, Mousiolis A, Goulis DG, Mantzoros CS. The effect of excess body fat on female and male reproduction. Metabolism 2020; 107:154193. [PMID: 32119876 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity coincides with a decline in reproductive health indices in both sexes. Energy excess mediates changes to the regulatory mechanisms of the reproductive system. Obese individuals exhibit increased estrogen concentrations, due to the overexpression of aromatase in the adipose tissue; via a negative feedback loop, men present with symptoms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These hormonal changes, along with increased oxidative stress, lipotoxicity and disturbances in the concentrations of adipokines, directly affect the gonads, peripheral reproductive organs and the embryo. Clinical evidence is somewhat contradicting, with only some studies advocating worse semen parameters, increased incidence of erectile dysfunction, increased doses of ovulation induction medications, and worse live birth rates in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles in obese individuals compared with those of normal weight. Similar conclusions are drawn about patients with insulin resistance syndromes, namely polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As far as treatment options are concerned, lifestyle changes, medical therapy and bariatric surgery may improve the reproductive outcome, although the evidence remains inconclusive. In this review, we summarize the evidence on the association of obesity and reproductive health on both the molecular and the clinical level, and the effect of weight-loss interventions on reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesthimani Mintziori
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Meletios P Nigdelis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Hannah Mathew
- Department of Medicine Boston VA Healthcare System and Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Athanasios Mousiolis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine Boston VA Healthcare System and Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Fang Y, Liu J, Mao Y, He Y, Li M, Yang L, Zhu Q, Tong Q, Zhou W. Pre-pregnancy body mass index and time to pregnancy among couples pregnant within a year: A China cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231751. [PMID: 32324768 PMCID: PMC7179844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extreme pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) values have been associated with reduced fecundability and prolonged time to pregnancy in previous studies. However, the effect in fertile couples is unclear. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and fecundability, measured as time to pregnancy (TTP), among couples that achieved pregnancy within 1 year. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 50,927 couples wishing to conceive, enrolled in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP) in Chongqing, China, during 2012–2016. Participants’ weight and height were measured by NFPHEP-trained preconception guidance physicians. TTP measured in months was used to determine subfecundity (TTP >6 months). The strength of association between BMI and TTP/subfecundity was measured with fecundability odds ratios (FOR)/odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), calculated with Cox and logistic regression analysis. We used restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) to test the observed FOR trends. Results Compared to women with normal BMI, women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity had longer TTP (FOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99) and increased risk of subfecundity (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00–1.17). There was no association between TTP and male BMI. RCS trends varied when data were stratified by male pre-pregnancy BMI, with the greatest change detected in pre-pregnancy underweight men. Conclusions Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity was associated with longer TTP and subfecundity among women who became pregnant within 1 year; this effect was likely mediated by their partners’ pre-pregnancy BMI. These findings indicate that BMI could affect fecundability, independently of affecting the risk of sterility. Advice on weight management and maintaining healthy weight should be included in couples’ preconception guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Fang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Yanyan Mao
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Min Li
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Qianxi Zhu
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Tong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (QT); (WZ)
| | - Weijin Zhou
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (QT); (WZ)
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Stubert J, Reister F, Hartmann S, Janni W. The Risks Associated With Obesity in Pregnancy. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 115:276-283. [PMID: 29739495 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one-third of all women of childbearing age are overweight or obese. For these women, pregnancy is associated with increased risks for both mother and child. METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search of PubMed, with special attention to current population-based cohort studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and controlled trials. RESULTS Obesity in pregnancy is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes for both mother and child. Many of the risks have been found to depend linearly on the body-mass index (BMI). The probability of conception declines linearly, starting from a BMI of 29 kg/m2, by 4% for each additional 1 kg/m2 of BMI (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval: [0.91; 0.99]). A 10% increase of pregravid BMI increases the relative risk of gestational diabetes and that of preeclampsia by approximately 10% each. A 5 kg/m2 increase of BMI elevates the relative risk of intrauterine death to 1.24 [1.18; 1.30]. An estimated 11% of all neonatal deaths can be attributed to the consequences of maternal overweight and obesity. Nonetheless, in most randomized controlled trials, nutritional and lifestyle interventions did not bring about any clinically relevant reduction in the incidence of gestational diabetes and fetal macrosomia. CONCLUSION The risks associated with obesity in pregnancy cannot necessarily be influenced by intervention. Preventive measures aimed at normalizing body weight before a woman becomes pregnant are, therefore, all the more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Stubert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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Berglund Scherwitzl E, Lundberg O, Kopp Kallner H, Rowland SP, Holte J, Trussell J, Gemzell Danielsson K, Scherwitzl R. Short- and long-term effect of contraceptive methods on fecundity. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2019; 24:260-265. [PMID: 31223036 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2019.1621999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of previously used contraceptive methods on women's short- and long-term fecundity. Use of hormonal contraception (HC) was compared with the use of a contraceptive mobile application (app). Methods: This real-life prospective observational study comprised 2874 women who were attempting to become pregnant using the Natural Cycles mobile app to monitor their fertility. The women registered to use the app between August 2014 and June 2016 with the intention of planning a pregnancy and had previously either used the same app to prevent pregnancy or had recently discontinued HC use. We calculated the average time to pregnancy (TTP) for all women who became pregnant during the study and performed Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis to examine the cumulative probabilities of pregnancy for all women in the study. Results: The average TTP was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1, 2.4) and 3.7 (95% CI 3.4, 3.9) cycles for women who had previously used Natural Cycles and HC, respectively. The time to reach 30% pregnancy probability for women previously on HC was 1.6 (95% CI 1.5, 1.8) times longer than for women previously using Natural Cycles. There was no significant difference in the 13 cycle cumulated pregnancy probability between the two groups. Conclusion: The results show that fertility awareness-based methods of contraception increase short-term pregnancy rates relative to HC, but have no effect on long-term pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helena Kopp Kallner
- b Department of Clinical Sciences at Danderyd Hospital , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,c Department of Women's and Children's Health , Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | | | - Jan Holte
- d Carl von Linné Clinic , Uppsala , Sweden.,e Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - James Trussell
- f Office of Population Research , Princeton University , Princeton , NJ , USA
| | - Kristina Gemzell Danielsson
- c Department of Women's and Children's Health , Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
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Loy SL, Cheung YB, Soh SE, Ng S, Tint MT, Aris IM, Bernard JY, Chong YS, Godfrey KM, Shek LP, Tan KH, Lee YS, Tan HH, Chern BSM, Lek N, Yap F, Chan SY, Chi C, Chan JKY. Female adiposity and time-to-pregnancy: a multiethnic prospective cohort. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2141-2149. [PMID: 30285230 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are higher overall and central adiposity associated with reduced fecundability, measured by time-to-pregnancy (TTP), in Asian women? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher overall adiposity, but not central adiposity, was associated with longer TTP in Asian women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY High body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a longer TTP, although the associations of body composition and distribution with TTP are less clear. There are no previous studies of TTP in Asian women, who have a relatively higher percentage of body fat and abdominal fat at relatively lower BMI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Prospective preconception cohort using data from 477 Asian (Chinese, Malay and Indian) women who were planning to conceive and enrolled in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) study, 2015-2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women's mean age was 30.7 years. Overall adiposity was assessed by BMI, sum of 4-site skinfold thicknesses (SFT) and total body fat percentage (TBF%, measured using air displacement plethysmography); central adiposity was assessed by waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and A body Shape Index (ABSI). Pregnancy occurring within one year from recruitment was ascertained by ultrasonography. Those who did not conceive within one year of recruitment, were lost to follow-up, or initiated fertility treatment were censored. TTP was measured in cycles. Discrete-time proportional hazards models were used to estimate the fecundability ratio (FR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each anthropometric measure in association with fecundability, adjusting for confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Compared to women with a normal BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m2, women with higher BMI of 23-27.4 and ≥27.5 kg/m2 showed lower FR of 0.66 (95% CI 0.45, 0.97) and 0.53 (0.31, 0.89), respectively. Compared to women in the lowest quartile of SFT (25-52.9 mm), those in the highest quartile of ≥90.1 mm showed lower FR of 0.58 (95% CI 0.36, 0.95). Compared to women in the lowest quartile of TBF% (13.6-27.2%), those in the upper two quartiles of 33.0-39.7% and ≥39.8% showed lower FR of 0.56 (95% CI 0.32, 0.98) and 0.43 (0.24, 0.80), respectively. Association of high BMI with reduced fecundability was particularly evident among nulliparous women. Measures of central adiposity (WC, WHR, WHtR, ABSI) were not associated with fecundability. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Small sample size could restrict power of analysis.The analysis was confined to planned pregnancies, which could limit generalizability of findings to non-planned pregnancies, estimated at around 44% in Singapore. Information on the date of last menstrual period for each month was not available, hence the accuracy of self-reported menstrual cycle length could not be validated, potentially introducing error into TTP estimation. Measures of exposures and covariates such as cycle length were not performed repeatedly over time; cycle length might have changed during the period before getting pregnant. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Other than using BMI as the surrogate measure of body fat, we provide additional evidence showing that higher amounts of subcutaneous fat that based on the measure of SFT at the sites of biceps, triceps, suprailiac and subscapular, and TBF% are associated with longer TTP. Achieving optimal weight and reducing total percentage body fat may be a potential intervention target to improve female fertility. The null results observed between central adiposity and TTP requires confirmation in further studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research is supported by Singapore National Research Foundation under its Translational and Clinical Research Flagship Programme and administered by the Singapore Ministry of Health's National Medical Research Council, (NMRC/TCR/004-NUS/2008; NMRC/TCR/012-NUHS/2014). Additional funding is provided by the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. Y.S.C., K.M.G., F.Y. and Y.S.L. have received reimbursement to speak at conferences sponsored by companies selling nutritional products. Y.S.C., K.M.G. and S.Y.C. are part of an academic consortium that has received research funding from Abbott, Nutrition, Nestle and Danone. Other authors declared no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Loy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Y B Cheung
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - S E Soh
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Ng
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - M T Tint
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - I M Aris
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J Y Bernard
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Early Origins of the Child's Health and Development Unit, Centre for research in Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité, Inserm, Villejuif, France
| | - Y S Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - K M Godfrey
- Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - L P Shek
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - K H Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Y S Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - H H Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - B S M Chern
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - N Lek
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - F Yap
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Y Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - C Chi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J K Y Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Bovet J. Evolutionary Theories and Men's Preferences for Women's Waist-to-Hip Ratio: Which Hypotheses Remain? A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1221. [PMID: 31244708 PMCID: PMC6563790 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, a large amount of research has been dedicated to identifying men's preferences for women's physical features, and the evolutionary benefits associated with such preferences. Today, this area of research generates substantial controversy and criticism. I argue that part of the crisis is due to inaccuracies in the evolutionary hypotheses used in the field. For this review, I focus on the extensive literature regarding men's adaptive preferences for women's waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which has become a classic example of the just-so storytelling contributing to the general mistrust toward evolutionary explanations of human behavior. The issues in this literature originate in the vagueness and incompleteness of the theorizing of the evolutionary mechanisms leading to mate preferences. Authors seem to have rushed into testing and debating the effects of WHR on women's attractiveness under various conditions and using different stimuli, without first establishing (a) clear definitions of the central evolution concepts (e.g., female mate value is often reduced to an imprecise concept of "health-and-fertility"), and (b) a complete overview of the distinct evolutionary paths potentially at work (e.g., focusing on fecundability while omitting descendants' quality). Unsound theoretical foundations will lead to imprecise predictions which cannot properly be tested, thus ultimately resulting in the premature rejection of an evolutionary explanation to human mate preferences. This paper provides the first comprehensive review of the existing hypotheses on why men's preferences for a certain WHR in women might be adaptive, as well as an analysis of the theoretical credibility of these hypotheses. By dissecting the evolutionary reasoning behind each hypothesis, I show which hypotheses are plausible and which are unfit to account for men's preferences for female WHR. Moreover, the most cited hypotheses (e.g., WHR as a cue of health or fecundity) are found to not necessarily be the ones with the strongest theoretical support, and some promising hypotheses (e.g., WHR as a cue of parity or current pregnancy) have seemingly been mostly overlooked. Finally, I suggest some directions for future studies on human mate choice, to move this evolutionary psychology literature toward a stronger theoretical foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Bovet
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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32
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Li MC, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Arvizu M, Chiu YH, Ford JB, Williams PL, Attaman J, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Waist circumference in relation to outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:578.e1-578.e13. [PMID: 30763543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have documented a lower likelihood of live birth with increasing body mass index among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, but few have examined the association with waist circumference, an anthropometric measure that allows assessment of central adiposity. OBJECTIVE To examine the relation between baseline waist circumference and infertility treatment outcomes among women undergoing treatment with assisted reproductive technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS We followed up 264 women who underwent 445 assisted reproductive technology cycles for infertility treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 2010 and 2017. Waist circumference was assessed at enrollment. We used cluster-weighted generalized estimating equation models to estimate the probability of live birth by tertiles of waist circumference (<77, 77-86, >86 cm), while accounting for multiple treatment cycles per woman and adjusting for age, race, smoking, infertility diagnosis, day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone, body mass index, and height. RESULTS Mean (standard deviation) waist circumference and body mass index were 83.6 (12.6) cm and 24.1 (4.3) kg/m2, respectively. Waist circumference and body mass index were positively correlated (r = 0.69, P < .0001). Waist circumference was inversely related to the probability of live birth after adjusting for BMI and other confounders. The multivariable adjusted probability of live birth (95% confidence interval) for women in increasing tertiles of waist circumference were 53% (42-65%), 42% (32-53%), and 38% (28-50%) (P, trend = .04). When women were classified in joint categories of body mass index and waist circumference, women with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and a waist circumference ≥77 cm had the lowest live birth rate (38% [27-50%]), whereas women with a body mass index between 18.5 and 25 kg/m2 and a waist circumference <77 cm had the highest (54% [42-66%]). The results were similar using different waist circumference cut-off values. CONCLUSION Waist circumference was inversely related to the probability of live birth among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology independently of body mass index.
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33
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Childhood cardiovascular health and subfertility: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Pediatr Res 2018; 84:625-631. [PMID: 29899387 PMCID: PMC6292745 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although childhood cardiovascular risk can contribute to adult cardiovascular disease, and fertility and adult cardiovascular health are linked, the association between early-life cardiovascular risk and female infertility has not been studied. METHODS A total of 1799 women participated in the Babies substudy of the Bogalusa Heart Study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were age-standardized and examined as predictors of self-reported fertility difficulties using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for confounders. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was assessed via a report of diagnosis and symptoms, using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS Women with a history of PCOS were more likely to report fertility difficulties. Childhood and adolescent cardiovascular risk factors were generally not associated with fertility indicators, although childhood LDL (aOR 1.38 per one-SD increase, 0.97-1.96) and total cholesterol (aOR 1.49, 1.06-2.11) were raised in those who never became pregnant. Pre-pregnancy risk SBP (overall fertility, aOR 1.49, 1.00-2.23) and glucose levels (ever tried but unable, aOR 2.65, 1.39-5.06) were associated with an increased risk of some infertility indicators. These results were largely unaffected by exclusion of women with PCOS. CONCLUSION Some childhood and pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factors are associated with adult subfertility.
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34
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Oostingh EC, Hall J, Koster MPH, Grace B, Jauniaux E, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. The impact of maternal lifestyle factors on periconception outcomes: a systematic review of observational studies. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:77-94. [PMID: 30424937 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The main risk factors for important reproductive health issues such as subfertility and perinatal mortality largely originate in the periconception period. To evaluate associations between modifiable maternal lifestyle factors and periconception outcomes, a systematic search was conducted for relevant studies published from 1990 to February 2017 on Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane database, PubMed and Google Scholar. The initial search identified 6166 articles, of which 49 studies were eligible for inclusion. Fecundity (the capacity to have a live birth) showed significant inverse associations with smoking, alcohol use and poor diet. Studies regarding time to pregnancy showed a decline in fecundity ratios (the monthly conception rate among exposed relative to unexposed couples) with increasing body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, risk of first-trimester miscarriage was found to be increased in smokers, alcohol and caffeine consumers, and with increasing BMI. Vitamin supplement use showed a decrease in this risk. This review demonstrates that maternal modifiable lifestyle factors affect periconception outcomes. If couples planning a pregnancy are more aware and supported to adopt healthy lifestyles during the periconceptional 'window of opportunity', short-term reproductive health as well as health in later life and even of future generations can be further improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsje C Oostingh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Hall
- Research Department of Reproductive Health, EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria P H Koster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bola Grace
- Research Department of Reproductive Health, EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Jauniaux
- Research Department of Reproductive Health, EGA Institute for Women's Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
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35
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Lassek WD, Gaulin SJC. Do the Low WHRs and BMIs Judged Most Attractive Indicate Higher Fertility? EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 16:1474704918800063. [PMID: 30296846 PMCID: PMC10480809 DOI: 10.1177/1474704918800063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examine the widely accepted view that very low waist-hip ratios and low body mass indices (BMIs) in women in well-nourished populations are judged attractive by men because these features reliably indicate superior fertility. In both subsistence and well-nourished populations, relevant studies of fertility do not support this view. Rather studies indicate lower fertility in women with anthropometric values associated with high attractiveness. Moreover, low maternal BMI predisposes to conditions that compromise infant survival. Consistent with these findings from the literature, new data from a large U.S. sample of women past reproductive age show that women with lower BMIs in the late teens had fewer live births, controlling for education, marital history, and race. They also had later menarche and earlier menopause compared with women with higher youth BMIs. In addition, data from the 2013 U.S. natality database show that mothers with lower prepregnancy BMIs have an increased risk of producing both low-birth-weight and preterm infants controlling for other relevant variables-conditions that would have adversely affected fitness over almost all of human evolution. Thus, a review of the relevant literature and three new tests fail to support the view that highly attractive women are more fertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D. Lassek
- Department of Anthropology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Steven J. C. Gaulin
- Department of Anthropology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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36
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Coall DA, Tickner M, McAllister LS, Sheppard P. Developmental influences on fertility decisions by women: an evolutionary perspective. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150146. [PMID: 27022073 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental environments are crucial for shaping our life course. Elements of the early social and biological environments have been consistently associated with reproduction in humans. To date, a strong focus has been on the relationship between early stress, earlier menarche and first child birth in women. These associations, found predominately in high-income countries, have been usefully interpreted within life-history theory frameworks. Fertility, on the other hand--a missing link between an individual's early environment, reproductive strategy and fitness--has received little attention. Here, we synthesize this literature by examining the associations between early adversity, age at menarche and fertility and fecundity in women. We examine the evidence that potential mechanisms such as birth weight, childhood body composition, risky health behaviours and developmental influences on attractiveness link the early environment and fecundity and fertility. The evidence that menarche is associated with fertility and fecundity is good. Currently, owing to the small number of correlational studies and mixed methodologies, the evidence that early adversity predicts fecundity and fertility is not conclusive. This area of research is in its infancy; studies examining early adversity and adult fertility decisions that can also examine likely biological, social and psychological pathways present opportunities for future fertility research.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Coall
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - M Tickner
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - L S McAllister
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - P Sheppard
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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37
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Best D, Bhattacharya S. Obesity and fertility. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2016; 24:5-10. [PMID: 26351959 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2015-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age has increased over the past 30 years. Infertility affects 1 in 7 couples, and female obesity is associated with anovulation. The mechanisms by which excessive fat delays time to pregnancy (TTP) appear rooted in ovulatory problems and direct effects on oocytes, causing poorer embryo development, as well as in effects on the endometrium. Weight loss in women has been shown to improve conception, but not necessarily live birth rates following fertility treatment, and further research in this area is needed. The obesity epidemic has been accompanied by a potential rise in male infertility, which has been attributed to hormonal disturbances and compromised semen parameters.
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38
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Eisenberg ML, Sundaram R, Maisog J, Buck Louis GM. Diabetes, medical comorbidities and couple fecundity. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2369-76. [PMID: 27591240 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the relationship between couple's health and fecundity in a preconception cohort? SUMMARY ANSWER Somatic health may impact fecundity in men and women as couples whose male partner had diabetes or whose female partner had two or more medical conditions had a longer time-to-pregnancy (TTP). WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN The impact of somatic health on human fecundity is hypothesized given the reported declines in spermatogenesis and ovulation among individuals with certain medical comorbidities. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A population-based prospective cohort study recruiting couples from 16 counties in Michigan and Texas (2005-2009) using sampling frameworks allowing for identification of couples planning pregnancy in the near future. Five hundred and one couples desiring pregnancy and discontinuing contraception were followed-up for 12 months or until a human chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy was detected. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS In all, 33 (21.4%) female and 41 (26.6%) male partners had medical conditions at baseline. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Couples' medical comorbidity was associated with pregnancy status. Diabetes in either partner was associated with diminished fecundity, as measured by a longer TTP. Specifically, fecundability odds ratios (FORs) were below 1, indicating a longer TTP, for male partners with diabetes (0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.86) even in adjusted models (0.35, 95% CI: 0.13-0.88). Female partners with diabetes had comparable reductions in FORs; however, the analyses did not reach statistical significance (0.26, 95% CI: 0.03-1.98). Female partners with two or more medical conditions had a significantly longer TTP compared with women with no health problems (0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.92). Importantly, the presence of medical conditions was not associated with sexual frequency. We cannot rule out residual confounding, Type 2 errors for less prevalent medical conditions, or chance findings in light of the multiple comparisons made in the analysis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The findings require cautious interpretation given that medical diagnoses are subject to possible reporting errors, although we are unaware of any potential biases that may have been introduced, as participants were unaware of how long it would take to become pregnant upon enrollment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The current report suggests a relationship between male and female diabetes and fecundity, and possibly somatic health more globally. Moreover, while the mechanism is uncertain, if corroborated, our data suggest that early evaluation and treatment may be warranted for diabetics prior to attempting to conceive. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Intramural research of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Contract nos. #N01-HD-3-3355, N01-HD-3-3356 and N01-HD-3-3358). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA,
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 7B03, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - José Maisog
- Glotech, Inc., 1801 Research Boulevard, Suite 605, Rockville, MD 20852, USA and
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 7B03, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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39
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McKinnon CJ, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Wesselink AK, Hahn KA, Wise LA. Body mass index, physical activity and fecundability in a North American preconception cohort study. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:451-9. [PMID: 27125230 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between adiposity, physical activity (PA), and fecundability. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) A total of 2,062 female pregnancy planners from the United States and Canada who were enrolled during the preconception period. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Self-reported pregnancy. Fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using proportional probabilities models that adjusted for potential confounders. RESULT(S) Relative to body mass index (BMI) 18.5-24 kg/m(2), FRs for BMI <18.5, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and ≥45 kg/m(2) were 1.05 (95% CI 0.76-1.46), 1.01 (95% CI 0.89-1.15), 0.98 (95% CI 0.82-1.18), 0.78 (95% CI 0.60-1.02), 0.61 (95% CI 0.42-0.88), and 0.42 (95% CI 0.23-0.76), respectively. Reduced fecundability was observed among women with the largest waist-to-hip ratios (≥0.85 vs. <0.75; FR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.74-1.01) and waist circumferences (≥36 vs. <26 inches [≥90 vs. <66 cm]; FR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.01). Tendency to gain weight in the chest/shoulders (FR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.36-1.08) and waist/stomach (FR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.79-1.02), relative to hips/thighs, was associated with lower fecundability. Moderate PA was associated with increased fecundability (≥5 vs. <1 h/wk; FR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.96-1.65), but there was no dose-response relation. Among overweight/obese women (BMI ≥25 kg/m(2)), fecundability was 27% higher for vigorous PA of ≥5 versus <1 h/wk (95% CI 1.02-1.57). CONCLUSION(S) Various measures of overall and central adiposity were associated with decreased fertility among pregnancy planners. Vigorous PA was associated with improved fertility among overweight and obese women only; moderate PA was associated with improved fertility among all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig J McKinnon
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristen A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Rueda-Clausen CF, Ogunleye AA, Sharma AM. Health Benefits of Long-Term Weight-Loss Maintenance. Annu Rev Nutr 2015; 35:475-516. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-071714-034434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian F. Rueda-Clausen
- Obesity Research & Management, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1 Canada; , ,
| | - Ayodele A. Ogunleye
- Obesity Research & Management, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1 Canada; , ,
| | - Arya M. Sharma
- Obesity Research & Management, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1 Canada; , ,
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Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of young women Veterans seek reproductive health care through the VA, yet little is known regarding the provision of infertility care for this population. The VA provides a range of infertility services for Veterans including artificial insemination, but does not provide in vitro fertilization. This study will be the first to characterize infertility care among OEF/OIF/OND women Veterans using VA care. METHODS We analyzed data from the OEF/OIF/OND roster file from the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)-Contingency Tracking System Deployment file of military discharges from October 1, 2001-December 30, 2010, which includes 68,442 women Veterans between the ages of 18 and 45 who utilized VA health care after separating from military service. We examined the receipt of infertility diagnoses and care using ICD-9 and CPT codes. RESULTS Less than 2% (n=1323) of OEF/OIF/OND women Veterans received an infertility diagnosis during the study period. Compared with women VA users without infertility diagnosis, those with infertility diagnosis were younger, obese, black, or Hispanic, have a service-connected disability rating, a positive screen for military sexual trauma, and a mental health diagnosis. Overall, 22% of women with an infertility diagnosis received an infertility assessment or treatment. Thirty-nine percent of women Veterans receiving infertility assessment or treatment received this care from non-VA providers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a small proportion of OEF/OIF/OND women Veterans received infertility diagnoses from the VA during the study period, and an even smaller proportion received infertility treatment. Nearly 40% of those who received infertility treatments received these treatments from non-VA providers, indicating that the VA may need to examine the training and resources needed to provide this care within the VA. Understanding women's use of VA infertility services is an important component of understanding VA's commitment to comprehensive medical care for women Veterans.
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Sapra KJ, McLain AC, Maisog JM, Sundaram R, Buck Louis GM. Clustering of retrospectively reported and prospectively observed time-to-pregnancy. Ann Epidemiol 2015; 25:959-63. [PMID: 26033375 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Given reportedly high clustering but limited validity of retrospectively reported time-to-pregnancy (TTP), we assessed within-woman clustering for retrospectively reported TTPs alone and including gold-standard prospectively observed TTPs among women with 2 or more retrospectively reported and 1 or more prospectively observed TTPs. We further investigated whether past trying times inform future trying time among women with 1 or more retrospectively reported and 1 or more prospectively observed TTPs. METHODS Five hundred one couples attempting pregnancy were prospectively observed until human chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy or 12 months of trying. Women reported TTP for past planned pregnancies. Clustering as measured by the frailty variance was estimated using discrete Cox frailty models, adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking at each attempt. Utility of past attempts to inform future attempts was assessed with discrete Cox models and relative risk regression, adjusted for enrollment age, body mass index, smoking. RESULTS Seventy-five women with 2 or more prior pregnancies contributed 180 retrospective and 91 prospective TTPs for frailty modeling. Retrospectively reported TTP clustering was high (frailty variance = 0.89) but substantially lower when including prospectively observed TTPs (frailty variance = 0.42). Among 202 women with 1 or more prior pregnancies, past trying times did not inform future trying time. CONCLUSIONS TTP recall rather than TTP may account for clustering. Past trying times may not inform future trying times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Sapra
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD.
| | - Alexander C McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | | | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD
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Incidence of infertility and risk factors of impaired fecundity among newly married couples in a Chinese population. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 30:92-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Buck Louis GM, Kannan K, Sapra KJ, Maisog J, Sundaram R. Urinary concentrations of benzophenone-type ultraviolet radiation filters and couples' fecundity. Am J Epidemiol 2014; 180:1168-75. [PMID: 25395025 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwu285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Concern has arisen about benzophenone (BP) ultraviolet (UV) radiation filters, given their use in sunscreen and personal-care products and their reported estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity. We recruited 501 couples who were discontinuing use of contraceptives in order to become pregnant for the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study (Michigan and Texas, 2005-2009). Couples provided urine specimens and completed daily journals until they either achieved pregnancy or had tried for 12 months. Women used fertility monitors to time sexual intercourse and digital pregnancy tests. Urinary concentrations of 5 UV filters (ng/mL) were determined using triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry: 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (also called BP-1); 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP-2); 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3); 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-8); and 4-hydroxybenzophenone. Fecundability odds ratios were estimated for each UV filter (dichotomized at the 75th percentile) and adjusted for age, creatinine concentration, body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)), cotinine concentration, season, and site, while accounting for time off contraception. Separate models were fitted for each UV filter and partner; final models included partners' concentrations. Male partners' concentrations of BP-2 and 4-hydroxybenzophenone were associated with reduced fecundity in adjusted models (fecundability odds ratio (FOR) = 0.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.95) and FOR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.00), respectively). In models adjusting for both partners' concentrations, male BP-2 concentration remained associated with reduced fecundity (FOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.97). These data suggest that male exposure to select UV filters may diminish couples' fecundity, resulting in a longer time to pregnancy.
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Sapra KJ, McLain AC, Maisog JM, Sundaram R, Buck Louis GM. Successive time to pregnancy among women experiencing pregnancy loss. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2553-9. [PMID: 25164026 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is time to pregnancy (TTP) similar across successive pregnancy attempts among women experiencing pregnancy loss? SUMMARY ANSWER TTP after a loss may be longer compared with TTP before a loss. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two pregnancy cohort studies have reported that TTP is similar across pregnancy attempts in fertile women. However, this has not been investigated among women experiencing pregnancy losses. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Data for this analysis come from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment Study, a population-based, preconception cohort of couples attempting pregnancy. During 2005-2009, recruitment was targeted to 16 counties in Michigan and Texas with reported exposures to persistent environmental chemicals. A total of 501 couples were recruited and followed for up to 12 months of pregnancy attempts allowing for continued participation of women with pregnancy losses until censoring. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS We assessed TTP among 70 couples recruited upon discontinuing contraception for purposes of becoming pregnant and experiencing ≥1 prospectively observed pregnancy losses during 12 months of trying. There were 61 couples who contributed two pregnancy attempts and 9 who contributed three. Women were instructed in the use of urine-based home fertility monitors to time intercourse relative to ovulation and recorded their bleeding patterns in daily journals. TTP was defined as the number of menstrual cycles taken to achieve pregnancy. Women were also instructed in the use of home digital pregnancy tests and asked to begin pregnancy testing on the day of expected menses. Women recorded the results of their pregnancy tests in a daily journal with a single positive pregnancy test result indicating an hCG-confirmed pregnancy. Pregnancy losses were ascertained from a subsequent recorded negative pregnancy test or clinically confirmed loss. We estimated fecundability odds ratios (FORs) comparing subsequent to first TTP using discrete Cox models with robust standard errors, accounting for cycles off contraception before study entry and adjusting for maternal age, body mass index, reproductive history and time-varying cigarette, alcohol and caffeine usage while trying. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean female age was 30.3 ± 4.3 years; 21% had a prior pregnancy loss before study entry. Of the second and third attempts, 59 and 43%, respectively, were longer compared with the first attempt. FORs <1 suggest reduced fecundability or a longer TTP when comparing the second with the first attempt (0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28, 0.65), and similarly for the third relative to the first attempt (0.64, 95% CI: 0.18, 2.36). TTP in the second attempt was a median of 1 cycle longer (interquartile range: 0, 3 cycles) compared with TTP in the first attempt. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As this is the first study to investigate successive TTP exclusively among women experiencing pregnancy loss, our findings await corroboration since most losses occurred early in gestation. As such, the generalizability of our findings for all pregnancy losses awaits further research. We also had limited power to detect a reduction in fecundability for the third compared with first pregnancy attempt. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Unlike fertile women, TTP in women experiencing early pregnancy losses may trend towards longer subsequent attempts. If the findings are corroborated, women experiencing losses may benefit from counselling regarding trying times. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (contracts N01-HD-3-3355, N01-HD-3-3356 and NOH-HD-3-3358). K.J.S. was supported by an Intramural Research Training Award from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Division of Intramural Population Health Research. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Sapra
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Blvd., Room 7B05, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - A C McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - R Sundaram
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Blvd., Room 7B05, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - G M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6100 Executive Blvd., Room 7B05, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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Schisterman EF, Mumford SL, Browne RW, Barr DB, Chen Z, Louis GMB. Lipid concentrations and couple fecundity: the LIFE study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:2786-94. [PMID: 24846535 PMCID: PMC4121020 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT A role of lipids in human fecundity is hypothesized as cholesterol is the main substrate for steroid synthesis and has also been shown to affect the hormonal milieu and steroidogenesis in both men and women. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between male and female serum lipid concentrations and time to pregnancy (TTP). DESIGN/SETTING A population-based prospective cohort study recruiting couples from 16 counties in Michigan and Texas (2005-2009) using sampling frameworks allowing for identification of couples planning pregnancy in the near future. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred one couples desiring pregnancy and discontinuing contraception were followed up for 12 months or until a human chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy was detected. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated after adjusting for age, body mass index, race, and education in relationship to female, male, and joint couple lipid concentrations. RESULTS Serum free cholesterol levels were higher on average among male and female partners of couples who did not became pregnant during the study follow-up (female, P = .04; male, P = .009), and levels in female partners were associated with significantly longer TTP in models based on both individual and couples concentrations (individual models: FOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97, 0.99; couple models: FOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97, 0.99). Male free cholesterol concentrations were associated with TTP only in the couple-based models (FOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97, 0.99). Sensitivity analyses suggested that the observed associations are unlikely to be explained by potential unmeasured confounding such as diet. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that serum free cholesterol concentrations in both men and women have an effect on TTP, highlighting the importance of cholesterol and lipid homeostasis for male and female fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique F Schisterman
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research (E.F.S., S.L.M., Z.C., G.M.B.L.), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland 20852; Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences (R.W.B.), University at Buffalo, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214; and Rollins School of Public Health (D.B.B.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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Buck Louis GM, Sundaram R, Sweeney AM, Schisterman EF, Maisog J, Kannan K. Urinary bisphenol A, phthalates, and couple fecundity: the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1359-66. [PMID: 24534276 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between environmental chemicals and couple fecundity or time to pregnancy (TTP). DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING Communities of targeted populations with reported exposure. PATIENT(S) 501 couples recruited upon discontinuing contraception to become pregnant, 2005-2009. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated for each partner's chemical concentrations adjusted for age, body mass index, cotinine, creatinine, and research site while accounting for time off contraception. RESULT(S) Couples completed interviews and anthropometric assessments and provided the urine specimens for quantification of bisphenol A (BPA) and 14 phthalate metabolites, which were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. Women recorded menstruation and pregnancy test results in daily journals. Couples were evaluated until a positive human-chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy test or 12 cycles without pregnancy. Neither female nor male BPA concentration was associated with TTP (FOR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.86, 1.13 and FOR 1.04; 95% CI, 0.91, 1.18, respectively). Men's urinary concentrations of monomethyl, mono-n-butyl, and monobenzyl phthalates were associated with a longer TTP (FOR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70, 0.93; FOR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.70, 0.97; and FOR 0.77, 95% CI, 0.65 0.92, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) Select male but not female phthalate exposures were associated with an approximately 20% reduction in fecundity, underscoring the importance of assessing both partners' exposure to minimize erroneous conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland.
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Anne M Sweeney
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M Rural School of Public Health, College Station, Texas
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - José Maisog
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The University at Albany, Albany, New York
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