Lifestyle behaviors in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the lifestyle behaviors of women before and during an IVF cycle.


METHODS
Prospective survey.


METHODS
Private academically affiliated infertility center.


METHODS
One hundred eighteen women, ages 18-44, scheduled to undergo an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle using their own eggs.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Lifestyle history and daily habit survey.


RESULTS
In the month before their IVF cycle, 92% exercised, 3% smoked, 73% drank alcohol, 76% drank caffeinated beverages, 14% took herbs, and 30% underwent acupuncture. During their ART cycle, 100% exercised, 2% smoked, 49% drank alcohol, 77% drank caffeine, 12% took herbs, and 47% underwent acupuncture.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first prospective assessment of numerous lifestyle habits during an ART cycle. A number of surprising observations were made. Despite physician recommendation against it, some ART patients took herbs while cycling. Patients continue to exercise regularly and drink caffeine daily, and almost half continued to drink alcohol. Lifestyle behavior counseling should be considered for patients pursuing ART.


BACKGROUND
NCT01119391.
Boston IVF, Waltham, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. domar@domarcenter.com
Alice D
AD
Domar
Lisa
L
Conboy
Julia
J
Denardo-Roney
Kristin L
KL
Rooney
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D001628:Beverages; D001900:Boston / Q000453:epidemiology; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003376:Counseling; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects; D006184:Habits; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D010349:Patient Compliance; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D028321:Plant Preparations; D002110:Caffeine