You May Want to Postpone IVF If You Live in an Area Impacted by Wildfire Smoke, Research Says

A recent study has highlighted the concerning link between poor air quality and reduced success rates for embryo transfers during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures. This research coincides with the aftermath of the destructive Canadian wildfires, which released significant amounts of smoke over many regions in the United States, including New York City, during the summer of 2023.

Conducted at a fertility clinic in New York City, the study was published in the journal Human Fertility. It investigated the success rates of embryo transfers when air quality varied due to wildfire smoke. The findings are alarming; during periods of good air quality, defined by an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 0-50, approximately 62% of embryo transfers were successful. This figure did not hold up as air quality declined. When the AQI fell into the moderate range of 51-100, the success rate increased slightly to 65%, but the likelihood of live births decreased to 49%. Notably, when air quality deteriorated to “unhealthy” levels (AQI of 100 or more), the success rate plummeted to just 27%.

Dr Randi Goldman, an attending physician and co-author of the study, explained that the adverse impact on embryo transfer success rates seems linked not to laboratory conditions but rather to the external environment. “Any reputable IVF lab will have stringent controls to safeguard egg quality; however, our hypothesis is that exposure to negative environmental factors, particularly air pollution, may affect patients in the crucial days surrounding their embryo transfer,” she stated.

Given these findings, the researchers suggest that individuals considering IVF might want to postpone procedures during periods of poor air quality. “The option of cryopreservation—freezing embryos for later transfer—could be worth considering until air quality improves,” the study proposes. This advice is particularly relevant in light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events attributed to climate change, which may result in more days of diminished air quality.

Despite the recommendation to delay IVF procedures, Dr Goldman acknowledged that rescheduling can be fraught with difficulties. “There are numerous factors at play leading up to the moment of embryo transfer, and it’s not always straightforward to simply shift the timeline as one might face unknown complications in the following month. The IVF process is both time-consuming and costly, so careful thought is needed,” she remarked.

For those with scheduled embryo transfers, especially in regions heavily impacted by air pollution, Dr Goldman advises limiting exposure to other harmful substances. “Reducing additional risks, such as avoiding tobacco smoke and alcohol, is advisable, alongside the recommendation to remain indoors during days of poor air quality,” she counselled.

Although pinpointing the exact pollutants responsible for decreased embryo transfer success rates is complex, Dr Goldman noted that inflammation caused by environmental toxins could detrimentally affect overall health. “There is a compelling connection between general well-being and reproductive health,” she explained, emphasising the broader implications of environmental factors on fertility.

In light of these findings, the study advocates for further exploration into how air quality impacts reproductive outcomes, especially considering the increasing prevalence of climate-related air quality issues. The implications of this research may lead to a reevaluation of protocols in fertility treatment when faced with adverse environmental conditions.

As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and exacerbate conditions such as wildfires, understanding and mitigating the effects of air quality on health, particularly reproductive health, will be vital for future medical practices. Such insights may become pivotal in guiding families through the IVF process amid an increasingly unpredictable environment.