Changes in ambient environmental conditions correspond to variations in in vitro fertilization outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic - Report - MDSpire

Changes in ambient environmental conditions correspond to variations in in vitro fertilization outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • By

  • Heeyon Kim

  • Hyun Jun Kim

  • Soyeong Park

  • Yun Soo Chung

  • Jin Kyung Baek

  • Yebon Kim

  • Jeongmi Yoon

  • Chungsoon Ryu

  • Bo Hyon Yun

  • Young Sik Choi

  • Daewoo Pak

  • Seok Kyo Seo

  • Yohan Ko

  • June 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Environmental Factors on IVF Success Rates During COVID-19

Overview

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, specifically focusing on mature oocyte, fertilization, and pregnancy rates. It highlights significant differences in these rates across pre-COVID, during-COVID, and post-COVID periods, with environmental factors playing a modifying role.

Background

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples globally, making IVF a critical component of reproductive medicine. Environmental factors, particularly air pollution, have been shown to influence reproductive health outcomes, including oocyte and embryo development. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique environmental changes that may have further impacted IVF success rates.

Data Highlights

PeriodMature Oocyte RateFertilization RatePregnancy Rate
Pre-COVIDReferenceReferenceReference
During-COVIDLower (β = −0.32, p < 0.001)Not significant (p = 0.637)Not significant (p = 0.346)
Post-COVIDLower (β = −0.45, p < 0.001)Higher (β = 0.22, p = 0.030)Not significant (p = 0.346)

Key Findings

Revise to reflect only findings directly supported by the data without interpretation.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the impact of environmental factors on IVF outcomes, particularly during periods of societal disruption like the COVID-19 pandemic. Monitoring ambient air quality and its potential effects on reproductive health may be important for optimizing IVF success.

Conclusion

The study reveals that IVF outcomes are influenced by the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic and ambient environmental exposures, particularly affecting oocyte maturation. These findings underscore the importance of considering environmental factors in reproductive health assessments.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Effects of Negative Pregnancy Experiences in the First IVF Cycle on Future Pregnancy Results
  2. Infection, 2023 -- Maternal Fetal Microchimerism and Its Impact on Women's Vulnerability to COVID-19
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Outcomes of Perinatal and Maternal Health Following Transfer of Blastocysts from Nonpronuclear and Monopronuclear Embryos
  4. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Impact of interval after fresh cycle cancellation on first frozen embryo transfer outcomes
  5. ESHRE Guidelines, 2026 -- Good Practice in the IVF Lab
  6. Particulate matter exposure and assisted reproductive technology outcomes in fresh cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2025
  7. Frontiers, 2026 -- Changes in Ambient Environmental Conditions Correspond to Variations in In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  8. https://www.eshre.eu/-/media/sitecore-files/Guidelines/IVF-lab/2026/ESHRE-IVF-labs-update_version-for-stakeholder-review.pdf
  9. Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) exposure and assisted reproductive technology outcomes in fresh cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  10. Frontiers | Changes in Ambient Environmental Conditions Correspond to Variations in In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Original Source(s)

Changes in ambient environmental conditions correspond to variations in in vitro fertilization outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • by Heeyon Kim, Hyun Jun Kim, Soyeong Park, Yun Soo Chung, Jin Kyung Baek, Yebon Kim, Jeongmi Yoon, Chungsoon Ryu, Bo Hyon Yun, Young Sik Choi, Daewoo Pak, Seok Kyo Seo, Yohan Ko

  • June 9, 2026

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