Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes, Infertility
Conditions
Keywords
In vitro fertilization, Embryo transfer, Live birth, pregnancy, Assisted reproductive technology, Tattoos, Chronic inflammation
Brief summary
Tattoos are increasingly common among women of reproductive age, yet their potential systemic inflammatory effects and impact on fertility treatment outcomes are unknown. This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate whether the presence, size, duration, and ink characteristics of tattoos are associated with pregnancy outcomes following embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Detailed description
This is a single-center, prospective observational cohort study conducted at the McGill University Health Centre Reproductive Centre. Women undergoing IVF with planned fresh or frozen blastocyst embryo transfer will be enrolled and categorized based on tattoo presence and characteristics. Tattoo information will be collected using a standardized questionnaire and direct measurement. Participants will be followed for pregnancy and obstetric outcomes through medical chart review. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy rate following embryo transfer. Secondary outcomes include clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and live birth.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
21 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Women aged 21-40 years Undergoing IVF with planned fresh or frozen blastocyst embryo transfer Availability of good-quality blastocyst embryos Willingness to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Significant untreated uterine abnormalities ≥3 prior failed embryo transfers Hydrosalpinx in situ BMI \>40 kg/m² Age \>41 years at embryo creation Submucosal fibroids in situ Use of medications affecting implantation (e.g., chronic steroids, metformin)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing Pregnancy Rate | 12 weeks gestation | Presence of fetal heartbeat on ultrasound at ≥12 weeks |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical pregnancy rate | 6-8 weeks of gestation | presence of a gestational sac |
| Biochemical pregnancy | 4-5 weeks of gestation | positive BHCG test |
| Miscarriage rate | before the 20th week of pregnancy | The spontaneous loss of a fetus |
| Ectopic pregnancy rate | upto 10 weeks of gestation | the frequency at which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity |
| Live birth rate | over 23 weeks of gestation | the frequency of successful deliveries resulting in at least one live-born infant |
Countries
Canada
Contacts
CONTACTmichael haim dahan, MD
CONTACTmaya shavit, MD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORmichael haim dahan, MD
McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Outcome results
None listed