Nisha Pandey

Wildfire Smoke Could Hurt IVF Success; Here's Why Doctors Say You May Want To Delay Your Appointment

As <span>wildfire</span> smoke continues to affect communities across North America and Europe, fertility experts are recommending people undergoing vitro fertilization (<span>IVF</span>) to pay attention to an overlooked factor before embryo implant: air quality.

A new study suggests that exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution, particularly from wildfire smoke, could significantly reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy after IVF.

Researchers, therefore, recommend discussing the timing of embryo transfer with a fertility specialist when air quality deteriorates.

<h2>Wildfire Smoke May Interfere With Embryo Implantation</h2>

The study, published in the journal Human Fertility, indicates that air pollution may affect reproductive health.

Between June and July 2023, researchers from Northwell Fertility in New York examined 190 fresh and frozen <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/ayurveda/struggling-to-conceive-this-ayurvedic-fertility-plan-can-boost-your-chances-of-getting-pregnant-article-151811550" data-type="tilCustomLink">embryo transfers</a>, when smoke from massive Canadian wildfires caused hazardous air quality across the northeastern United States.

They then compared the rate of successful pregnancies based on the Air Quality Index (<span>AQI</span>) on the day of embryo transfer.

Clinical pregnancy rates were approximately 62% on days with good air quality and 65% on days with moderate air quality.

But when the AQI rose above 100, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups; the pregnancy rate dropped to just 27%.

Although only 11 embryo transfers took place on days with unhealthy air quality, the researchers say the findings raise concerns about whether temporary exposure to wildfire smoke could affect one of the most critical stages of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/what-is-secondary-pregnancy-and-how-is-it-different-article-151174475" data-type="tilCustomLink">IVF</a>.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/miles-apart-but-planning-a-family-together-the-fertility-reality-of-long-distance-marriages-in-india-article-155130241" data-type="tilCustomLink">Miles Apart, But Planning A Family Together: The Fertility Reality Of Long-Distance Marriages In India</a>

<h2>How Can Air Pollution Affect Fertility And <span rel="noindex">IVF Success</span> Chances?</h2>

IVF embryos are created and stored in strictly controlled laboratories, meaning they are protected from polluted air and other contaminants in the environment.

Instead of damaging the embryo, researchers believe that wildfire smoke can affect the woman's body by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. This could create a less favourable environment for the embryo to implant in the uterus.

Air pollution contaminant, PM2.5, a fine particulate matter, is one of the main pollutants in wildfire smoke. It is minute enough to enter the lungs, bloodstream, and trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body.

Previous studies have already indicated that PM2.5 exposure could cause pregnancy complications and harm <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/egg-freezing-demystified-how-many-eggs-and-cycles-does-it-take-article-152558462" data-type="tilCustomLink">fertility</a>.

Dr. Randi Goldman, Program Director at Northwell Fertility and co-author of the study, said the research suggests patients and physicians should consider environmental conditions when planning embryo transfer.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/global-female-infertility-could-affect-80-million-women-aged-35-by-2036-lancet-study-article-154954405" data-type="tilCustomLink">Global Female Infertility Could Affect 80 Million Women Aged 35+ by 2036: Lancet Study</a>

"The embryo is safely protected inside the laboratory. The effect we're seeing is more likely related to how air pollution influences the body before and after embryo transfer rather than the embryo itself," Goldman said.

She opines that patients experiencing severe wildfire smoke or hazardous air quality should discuss whether delaying embryo transfer by a few days could improve the chances of success.

"Patients invest enormous emotional, physical and financial resources into IVF. Delaying treatment is difficult, but when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, it may be worth discussing timing with your fertility specialist," Goldman said.

<h2>Expert-Recommended Tips To Improve IVF Success</h2>

From PCOS to PMOS: A Big Shift in Women’s Health #shorts #shortsfeed

Adopt a Fertility-Boosting Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and enjoy a healthy BMI. Reduce alcohol intake, do not smoke, and avoid recreational drugs.

Take Key Supplements: Folic acid, CoQ10, and vitamin D can improve egg quality and overall fertility.

Stress Management Is Key: Elevated cortisol levels can affect <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/watch-the-exact-moment-a-human-embryo-implants-in-real-time-article-152482068" data-type="tilCustomLink">reproductive hormones</a>. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture.

Sleep Well: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of restful sleep to support hormonal balance.

Address Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid issues, and endometriosis can interfere with fertility outcomes if left unmanaged.

Start Early, If Possible: The earlier IVF is initiated—especially for women over 35—the better the chances.

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As wildfire smoke continues to affect communities across North America and Europe, fertility experts are recommending people undergoing vitro fertilization (IVF) to pay attention to an overlooked factor before embryo implant: air quality. A new study suggests that exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution, particularly from wildfire smoke, could significantly reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy after IVF.Researchers, therefore, recommend discussing the timing of embryo transfer with a fertility specialist when air quality deteriorates. Wildfire Smoke May Interfere With Embryo Implantation The study, published in the journal Human Fertility, indicates that air pollution may affect reproductive health. Between June and July 2023, researchers from Northwell Fertility in New York examined 190 fresh and frozen embryo transfers, when smoke from massive Canadian wildfires caused hazardous air quality across the northeastern United States. They then compared the rate of successful pregnancies based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on the day of embryo transfer. Clinical pregnancy rates were approximately 62% on days with good air quality and 65% on days with moderate air quality. But when the AQI rose above 100, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups; the pregnancy rate dropped to just 27%. Although only 11 embryo transfers took place on days with unhealthy air quality, the researchers say the findings raise concerns about whether temporary exposure to wildfire smoke could affect one of the most critical stages of IVF.Also read: Miles Apart, But Planning A Family Together: The Fertility Reality Of Long-Distance Marriages In India How Can Air Pollution Affect Fertility And IVF Success Chances? IVF embryos are created and stored in strictly controlled laboratories, meaning they are protected from polluted air and other contaminants in the environment. Instead of damaging the embryo, researchers believe that wildfire smoke can affect the woman's body by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. This could create a less favourable environment for the embryo to implant in the uterus. Air pollution contaminant, PM2.5, a fine particulate matter, is one of the main pollutants in wildfire smoke. It is minute enough to enter the lungs, bloodstream, and trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. Previous studies have already indicated that PM2.5 exposure could cause pregnancy complications and harm fertility. Dr. Randi Goldman, Program Director at Northwell Fertility and co-author of the study, said the research suggests patients and physicians should consider environmental conditions when planning embryo transfer.Also read: Global Female Infertility Could Affect 80 Million Women Aged 35+ by 2036: Lancet Study "The embryo is safely protected inside the laboratory. The effect we're seeing is more likely related to how air pollution influences the body before and after embryo transfer rather than the embryo itself," Goldman said. She opines that patients experiencing severe wildfire smoke or hazardous air quality should discuss whether delaying embryo transfer by a few days could improve the chances of success. "Patients invest enormous emotional, physical and financial resources into IVF. Delaying treatment is difficult, but when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, it may be worth discussing timing with your fertility specialist," Goldman said.Expert-Recommended Tips To Improve IVF Success         Adopt a Fertility-Boosting Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and enjoy a healthy BMI. Reduce alcohol intake, do not smoke, and avoid recreational drugs.Take Key Supplements: Folic acid, CoQ10, and vitamin D can improve egg quality and overall fertility.Stress Management Is Key: Elevated cortisol levels can affect reproductive hormones. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture.Sleep Well: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of restful sleep to support hormonal balance.Address Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid issues, and endometriosis can interfere with fertility outcomes if left unmanaged.Start Early, If Possible: The earlier IVF is initiated—especially for women over 35—the better the chances.

wildfire smoke could hurt ivf success; here's why doctors say you may want to delay your appointment

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