The aim of the present study was to assess if semen quality declines during in vitro fertilization （IVF） and whether or not this phenomenon is triggered by chronic male stress. In order to test this hypothesis, we f...The aim of the present study was to assess if semen quality declines during in vitro fertilization （IVF） and whether or not this phenomenon is triggered by chronic male stress. In order to test this hypothesis, we first investigated a retrospective cohort of 155 male IVF patients （testing cohort）. Subsequently, we started a prospective cohort study in men undergoing their first IVF and assessed semen quality and subjective male chronic stress using a validated tool, i.e. the Fertility Problem Inventory （FPI） questionnaire. The association between stress and sperm quality decline measured 4-6weeks before the start of IVF （T1） and at the day of oocyte retrieval （T2） was the primary outcome. Live birth rate, first trimester abortion and rate of poor responders were secondary outcomes. In the testing cohort, mean progressive motility, but not mean sperm density significantly declined. There were 78/154 （51%） men who showed a decline in semen density and 50/154 （32%） men who showed a decline in progressive motility. In the validation cohort, progressive motility declined, whereas, sperm density increased from T1 to T2. Of 78 men, 27 men had increased stress （FPI-score 〉 146）. Sperm density and progressive motility were not significantly different in men with and without stress. However, in the presence of male stress, couples had a higher rate of poor responders, miscarriages and a lower rate of live births. Subjective stress is not associated with a decline in semen quality observed during IVF but may be associated with adverse ore^nancv outcome.展开更多
We thank the commentator for his valuable insights as expressed in the above commentary. We fully agree that numerous lines of evidence support the assumption that male as well as female stress and the interaction of ...We thank the commentator for his valuable insights as expressed in the above commentary. We fully agree that numerous lines of evidence support the assumption that male as well as female stress and the interaction of the stressed couple plays a role in the success of assisted reproduction. Furthermore, it is common ground that in vitro fertilization （IVF）/intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） couples are an especially vulnerable patient collective in this respect. We have, however, not yet identified the optimal means of measuring stress or the relevant aspects of it during the management of couples undergoing IVF/ICSI. This fact is also highlighted by our findings,t Further work is necessary to identify efficient and reliable tools to measure and treat stress in males and females undergoing IVF/ICSI with the goal of further improving reproductive outcomes.展开更多
文摘The aim of the present study was to assess if semen quality declines during in vitro fertilization （IVF） and whether or not this phenomenon is triggered by chronic male stress. In order to test this hypothesis, we first investigated a retrospective cohort of 155 male IVF patients （testing cohort）. Subsequently, we started a prospective cohort study in men undergoing their first IVF and assessed semen quality and subjective male chronic stress using a validated tool, i.e. the Fertility Problem Inventory （FPI） questionnaire. The association between stress and sperm quality decline measured 4-6weeks before the start of IVF （T1） and at the day of oocyte retrieval （T2） was the primary outcome. Live birth rate, first trimester abortion and rate of poor responders were secondary outcomes. In the testing cohort, mean progressive motility, but not mean sperm density significantly declined. There were 78/154 （51%） men who showed a decline in semen density and 50/154 （32%） men who showed a decline in progressive motility. In the validation cohort, progressive motility declined, whereas, sperm density increased from T1 to T2. Of 78 men, 27 men had increased stress （FPI-score 〉 146）. Sperm density and progressive motility were not significantly different in men with and without stress. However, in the presence of male stress, couples had a higher rate of poor responders, miscarriages and a lower rate of live births. Subjective stress is not associated with a decline in semen quality observed during IVF but may be associated with adverse ore^nancv outcome.
文摘We thank the commentator for his valuable insights as expressed in the above commentary. We fully agree that numerous lines of evidence support the assumption that male as well as female stress and the interaction of the stressed couple plays a role in the success of assisted reproduction. Furthermore, it is common ground that in vitro fertilization （IVF）/intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） couples are an especially vulnerable patient collective in this respect. We have, however, not yet identified the optimal means of measuring stress or the relevant aspects of it during the management of couples undergoing IVF/ICSI. This fact is also highlighted by our findings,t Further work is necessary to identify efficient and reliable tools to measure and treat stress in males and females undergoing IVF/ICSI with the goal of further improving reproductive outcomes.
