Link between endogenous oxytocin concentrations and live birth outcomes after fresh embryo transfer

Overview

Revise to clarify the relationship between serum and follicular fluid oxytocin levels and live birth rates.

Background

Live birth rates in IVF cycles remain around 30%, making the identification of factors influencing these rates critical. Oxytocin, a hormone involved in reproductive physiology, has been linked to various reproductive outcomes, yet its role in IVF success has not been thoroughly explored. Understanding the impact of endogenous oxytocin levels may provide insights into optimizing embryo transfer outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Serum oxytocin levels negatively correlate with live birth rates (LBR).
• Follicular fluid oxytocin levels positively correlate with ovarian response markers.
• Each 100 pg/mL increase in serum oxytocin decreases the likelihood of live birth by 37%.
• Each 100 pg/mL increase in follicular fluid oxytocin improves the likelihood of live birth by 18%.
• Serum oxytocin correlates positively with triglycerides and insulin levels.
• Follicular fluid oxytocin correlates positively with hCG-trigger day estradiol and oocytes retrieved.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the implications of serum and follicular fluid oxytocin levels when evaluating IVF outcomes. Monitoring these levels may provide additional insights into patient-specific factors influencing live birth rates and ovarian response.

Conclusion

Strengthen the call for future research and suggest specific areas for investigation.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Outcomes of frozen embryo transfers from a large monocentric cohort (2982 cycles): towards a preferential use of cycles with a corpus luteum for endometrial preparation
2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Outcomes of Perinatal and Maternal Health Following Transfer of Blastocysts from Nonpronuclear and Monopronuclear Embryos
3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Effects of Negative Pregnancy Experiences in the First IVF Cycle on Future Pregnancy Results
4. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Effect of basal LH levels on pregnancy outcome after IVF/ICSI fresh embryo transfer in patients of different ages: a retrospective study
5. ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: an update in 2025 - PMC
6. Is oxytocin receptor antagonist administration around embryo transfer associated with IVF treatment success? A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
7. Lower pregnancy rate in women with high uterine peristalsis before embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC
8. ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: an update in 2025 - PMC
9. Is oxytocin receptor antagonist administration around embryo transfer associated with IVF treatment success? A systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
10. Lower pregnancy rate in women with high uterine peristalsis before embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC