Do lunar cycles influence in vitro fertilization results?
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to investigate the lunar influence on IVF-ET outcomes.


METHODS
Between 1992 and 1999 we have completed 7572 preprogrammed IVF-ET treatment cycles with the same stimulation protocol in two outpatient units. (Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary) Multiple regression (SAS; proc Logistic) and two separate analyses were performed on pregnancy rates using a harmonic sinoidal trend based on the synodic and anomalistic lunar cycles respectively.


RESULTS
The overall pregnancy rate was 30.9%. The amplitude of harmonic sinoidal, trend for the synodic lunar cycles was chi2 = 1.63,2d.f., p = 0.44 and chi2 = 6.27,2d.f., p = 0.044 for the anomalistic moon periods. For the anomalistic lunar months the amplitude of harmonic sinoidal trend was borderline in terms of higher pregnancy rates with the moon in Perigee.


CONCLUSIONS
The cause of seasonal changes in IVF-ET outcomes is probably very complex. Our results indicate that lunar influence may only be one of the contributing factors. Further studies are needed to clarify unexplained fluctuations of pregnancy outcomes.
Weigert
Monika
M
Kaali
Steven G
SG
Kulin
Sandor
S
Feichtinger
Wilfried
W
D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D016081:Moon; D010507:Periodicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate