Assisted reproductive technologies could be associated with higher risk of parenting difficulties in women with postpartum major depression.

No increased risk of postpartum major depression (PPMD) was reported in women conceiving through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, ART may be associated with a higher risk of parenting difficulties in women with PPMD. In 359 women with a PPMD admitted to a Mother-Baby Unit (MBU), ART-women (4.2%) showed a 5-fold higher rate of parenting difficulties than those with spontaneous pregnancy (73.33% vs. 35.17%, multivariate ORa = 5.09 [1.48-17.48] p = 0.01). Specific support for mother-child relationship should be implemented in ART-women with PPMD.

Low Birth Weight is Associated with Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes in Primary Infertile Men: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between clinical and semen characteristics and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes with different birth weight (BW) categories in a cohort of infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 1,063 infertile men were analyzed. Patients with BW ≤2,500, 2,500-4,000, and ≥4,000 g were considered as having low BW (LBW), normal BW (NBW), and high BW (HBW), respectively. Testicular volume (TV) was assessed with a Prader orchidometer. Serum hormones were measured in all cases. Semen analyses were categorized based on 2021 World Health Organization reference criteria. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was tested in every patient and considered pathological for SDF >30%. ART outcomes were available for 282 (26.5%) patients. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses detailed the association between semen parameters and clinical characteristics and the defined BW categories. RESULTS: Of all, LBW, NBW, and HBW categories were found in 79 (7.5%), 807 (76.0%), and 177 (16.5%) men, respectively. LBW men had smaller TV, presented higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but lower total testosterone levels compared to other groups (all p<0.01). Sperm progressive motility (p=0.01) and normal morphology (p<0.01) were lower and SDF values were higher (all p<0.01) in LBW compared to other groups. ART pregnancy outcomes were lower in LBW compared to both NBW and HBW categories (26.1% vs. 34.5% vs. 34.5%, p=0.01). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, LBW was associated with SDF >30% (odd ratio [OR] 3.7; p<0.001), after accounting for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), FSH, and TV. Similarly, LBW (OR 2.2; p<0.001), SDF >30% (OR 2.9; p<0.001) and partner's age (OR 1.3; p=0.001) were associated with negative ART outcomes, after accounting for the same predictors. CONCLUSIONS: LBW was associated with impaired clinical and semen characteristics in infertile men compared to both NBW and HBW. SDF and ART outcomes were significantly worse in the LBW group.

Influencia del índice de masa corporal en las técnicas de reproducción asistida / Influence of Body Mass Index on Assisted Reproductive Techniques

Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el índice de Masa Corporal en mujeres y los resultados obtenidos en las técnicas de reproducción asistida. Método: Se llevó a cabo un diseño no experimental, transversal, descriptivo y correlacional, mediante un análisis de datos secundarios en varias clínicas de reproducción asistida en España. Se analizaron 3.273 historias clínicas de mujeres sometidas a fecundación in vitro entre 2015-2018. Se recogieron datos de filiación e inicio del tratamiento, datos antropométricos, antecedentes personales, enfermedades actuales, esterilidad primaria, esterilidad secundaria, así como los parámetros referentes a los resultados tras tratamiento de reproducción asistida. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el software SPSS-V19.0. Resultados: 798 mujeres (24,42%) tenían un IMC ≥25. Las mujeres con sobrepeso consiguieron un menor número de ovocitos recuperados y fecundados, así como menor número de embriones obtenidos. Las mujeres con peso normal consiguieron un menor número de óvulos maduros y las mujeres con bajo peso presentaron una menor tasa de fecundación. Conclusiones: Se ha encontrado que los resultados obtenidos en las técnicas de reproducción asistida tienen relación con el índice de Masa Corporal de las mujeres. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the Body Mass Index in women and the results obtained in assisted reproductive techniques. Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design was carried out through an analysis of secondary data in several assisted reproduction clinics from Spain. 3,273 medical records of women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Data on affiliation and treatment initiation, anthropometric data, personal history, current diseases, primary and secondary infertility, as well as the reference parameters to the results after the assisted reproduction treatment were collected. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v19.0 software. Results: A total of 798 women (24.42%) had a BMI values ≥ 25. The overweight women achieved a lower number of oocytes retrieved and fertilized, as well as fewer embryos obtained. The women with normal weight achieved a lower number of mature oocytes and those with low weight had a lower fertilization rate. Conclusions: It has been found that the results obtained in assisted reproductive techniques are related to women's Body Mass Index. (AU)

The Predictive Value of Serum ß-HCG Levels in The Detection of Ectopic Pregnancy Sixteen Days after Embryo Transfer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: To detect the predictive value of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels 16 days post embryo transfer (ET) regarding detection of an ectopic pregnancy (EP) in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed the database of Royan Institute from January 2011 to December 2014 and from January 2017 to December 2019 retrospectively. All cases with positive ß-hCG levels sixteen days after ET were screened (n=4149). The pregnancies with oocyte or embryo donation and the multiple pregnancies based on the first ultrasound were excluded. All eligible singleton pregnancies with documented serum ß-hCG levels at Royan institute laboratory (n=765) were included and then classified according to the type of pregnancy: EP (n=189) or non-EP (n=576). The data of the treatment cycle was extracted from the patients' files. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to detect the predictive power of the first measurement of ß-hCG level in distinguishing EP from ongoing pregnancy in the ART and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles separately. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each of the estimates. RESULTS: The mean levels of ß-hCG 16 days after ET were remarkably higher in the ongoing pregnancy group than the EP group (1592.35 ± 87 IU/L vs. 369.69 ± 50.61 IU/L, P<0.001). The ß-hCG thresholds predictive of ongoing pregnancy were 278 IU/L as the most suitable cut-off to predict viable pregnancy with a sensitivity of 72.8%, a specificity of 67.5%, a positive predictive value of 77.8%, standard error of 0.02, and a confidence interval of 73.8- 81.7%. However, this relationship was not found in IUI cycles. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, if ß-hCG levels 16 days after ET are below 278 IU/l, close follow-up is recommended, until either the diagnosis of EP or miscarriage is established.

Is It Time for Andrology and Endocrinology Professionals in Assisted Reproduction Centers?

Epidemiologists indicate that about half of the couple's infertility cases are due to a male factor. Despite this, the role of andrologists or endocrinologists in assisted reproductive technique (ART) centers is still underestimated. According to our literature review, this reduces the chance of a thorough clinical evaluation of the male partners, which, sometimes consists only in a mere semen analysis, usually performed by laboratory technicians. A more complete diagnostic process could lead to the identification of potentially treatable causes of infertility, the recognition of diseases that require immediate treatment, and to the discovery of genetic diseases and, therefore, transmissible to the offspring. It can also increase the success rate of ART resulting in less psychological and financial burden for both public health resources and infertile couples. The presence of medical personnel with andrological and endocrinological skills in the ART centers represents the first step in creating 'precision medicine'. We hope that the guidelines of the various scientific societies will clearly contemplate this possibility.

O estado regulatório da reprodução humana assistida no Brasil: da ausência de legislação ordinária ao regulamento deontológico atual / The regulatory state of assisted human reproduction in Brazil: from the absence of ordinary legislation to the current deontological regulation / El estado regulatorio de la reproducción humana asistida en Brasil: de la ausencia de legislación ordinaria a la regulación deontológica actual

Objetivo: analisar a legislação ordinária e o regramento deontológico vigentes no Brasil sobre os processos assistidos de procriação humana, considerando a investigação das repercussões no âmbito dos direitos das partes envolvidas. Metodologia: revisão bibliográfica e documental, por meio do método dedutivo, buscando a construção de apontamentos críticos quanto ao atual estado regulatório dos processos assistidos de procriação humana. Resultados: o conjunto regulatório agrega previsões normativas gerais relacionadas ao Código Civil, à Lei de Biossegurança e previsões deontológicas. Juntas, trazem conteúdos de relevância, mas, por vezes, insuficientes e não adequados às diversas circunstâncias que podem envolver a prática da fertilização in vitro, da gestação por substituição e da reprodução post mortem. Conclusão: propõe-se, a partir dos direitos reprodutivos da mulher e da autonomia das partes, a reconsideração parcial do conteúdo regulado pelo regramento deontológico, bem como a atualização das normas ordinárias.

Objective:to analyze the legislation and deontological rules in force in Brazil regarding artificial insemination in humans, considering the impact on the rights of those involved. Methods: bibliographic and documentary study using the deductive method, with the aim of critically commenting on the current state of legislation on artificial insemination in humans. Results: the legal framework includes general normative provisions related to the Civil Code, the Biosafety Law and deontological provisions. Together, they provide relevant content but are sometimes insufficient and inadequate for the various circumstances that may be associated with the practice of in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, and postmortem reproduction. Conclusion: based on women's reproductive rights and the autonomy of the parties, it is proposed to reconsider some of the contents regulated in the deontological provisions and to update the legislation.

Objetivo: analizar la legislación ordinaria y las normas deontológicas vigentes en Brasil sobre los procesos de procreación humana asistida, considerando la investigación de las repercusiones en el alcance de los derechos de las partes involucradas. Metodología: revisión bibliográfica y documental, a través del método deductivo, buscando la construcción de apuntes críticos respecto al estado normativo actual de los procesos de procreación humana asistida. Resultados: el conjunto normativo agrega disposiciones normativas generales relacionadas con el Código Civil, la Ley de Bioseguridad y disposiciones deontológicas. En conjunto, aportan contenidos relevantes, pero en ocasiones insuficientes y no adecuados a las distintas circunstancias que puede conllevar la prácticade la fecundación in vitro, la gestación subrogada y la reproducción post mortem. Conclusión: se propone, con base en los derechos reproductivos de la mujer y la autonomía de las partes, la reconsideración parcial del contenido regulado por las reglas deontológicas, así como la actualización de las normas ordinarias.

Doppler ultrasound investigation of female infertility.

This study reviewed recent advances in the use of Doppler ultrasonography for the management and prediction of female infertility outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Color or power Doppler and three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound can be used to measure vessels near the ovaries, uterus, and endometrium to assess blood flow. Increased blood flow and reduced resistance to the ovaries, uterus, and endometrium are associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, and their measurement has been suggested as a key factor in ART procedural outcomes. Perifollicular vascularity indices can help predict oocyte quality and maturity. Likewise, endometrial and uterine vascularity could be associated with endometrial receptivity and may assist with embryo transfer timing and pregnancy outcome predictions. With the advancement of Doppler ultrasound technology, this highly potent examination will be used more widely in routine clinical settings for the treatment of female infertility.

Donor-centred care: the facilitating and constraining factors experienced by gamete donors in a public bank.

The provision of care that is responsive to the preferences, needs and values of gamete donors is key to improving their recruitment and ensuring the functioning of gamete banks. This qualitative study aimed to explore gamete donors' experiences about the facilitating and constraining human and system factors to donor-centred healthcare delivery in gamete banks. It is based on 20 semi-structured interviews with oocyte and sperm donors, recruited at the Portuguese Public Bank of Gametes, conducted from November 2017 to February 2019. Deductive content analysis was performed using the software NVivo12, following the patient-centred infertility care model. Interviewees identified facilitating factors mostly related with the human dimension of care (i.e. careful and available attitude and behaviours of health professionals, as well as their good communication skills and emotional support). Constraining factors were predominantly identified at the system level (i.e. insufficient information provision, poor coordination, and integration). Lack of privacy emerged simultaneously as a human and a system constraining factor (i.e. physical discomfort during medical-technical acts or gamete collection). There is room for improving clinical practice and the organisation of healthcare services within a context where the competence and attitude of, and relationship with, the staff are highly valued.

Influential factors of adverse pregnancy outcome in women with subchorionic hematoma / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the influential factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with subchorionic hematoma.Methods:A total of 101 women with subchorionic hematoma who received treatment in the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2017 to June 2020 were included in this study. They were divided into a control group and an adverse pregnancy outcome group according to whether there was an adverse pregnancy outcome. The epidemiological characteristics, hematoma characteristics observed on ultrasound images, and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference in the number of women who used assisted reproductive technology between the control and adverse pregnancy outcome groups [6 (8.0%) vs. 8 (30.7%), χ2 = 8.38, P = 0.004]. There was a significant difference in hematoma volume between adverse pregnancy outcome and control groups [(4.12 ± 0.61) mL vs. (6.36 ± 0.87) mL, t = 6.73, P = 0.009]. There was a significant difference in the number of patients who had obstetric complications between control and adverse pregnancy outcome groups [11 (14.7%) vs. 16 (61.5%), χ2 = 21.66, P = 0.001]. There was a significant difference in the number of patients who had hematomas located at the edge of the placenta between the control and adverse pregnancy outcome groups [15 (20.0%) vs. 12 (46.2%), χ2 = -4.81, P = 0.001]. Conclusion:Women who use assisted reproductive technology for pregnancy, have obstetric complications, or have a subchorionic hematoma with hematoma at the edge of the placenta are more likely to experience a miscarriage. Therefore, women of childbearing age should actively treat the primary disease and be alert to the occurrence of placental abruption.

Long term all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality among women who undergo fertility treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To compare age-adjusted all-cause and CVD mortality, relative to the general female population, for women registered for fertility treatment who received it and those who did not. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study; analysis of Monash IVF clinical registries data, 1975-2018, linked with National Death Index mortality data. PARTICIPANTS: All women who registered for fertility treatment at Monash IVF (Melbourne, Victoria), 1 January 1975 - 1 January 2014, followed until 31 December 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for all-cause and CVD mortality, for women who did or did not undergo fertility treatment; SMRs stratified by area-level socio-economic disadvantage (SEIFA Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage [IRSD]) and (for women who underwent treatment), by stimulated cycle number and mean oocytes/cycle categories. RESULTS: Of 44 149 women registered for fertility treatment, 33 520 underwent treatment (66.4%), 10 629 did not. After adjustment for age, both all-cause (SMR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.54-0.62) and CVD mortality (SMR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32-0.53) were lower than for the general female population. All-cause mortality was similar for women registered with Monash IVF who did (SMR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.50-0.60) or did not undergo fertility treatment (SMR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56-0.70). The SMR was lowest for both treated and untreated women in the fifth IRSD quintile (least disadvantage), but the difference was statistically significant only for untreated women. CVD mortality was lower for registered women who underwent fertility treatment (SMR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.19-0.43) than for those who did not (SMR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42-0.81). CONCLUSION: Fertility treatment does not increase long term all-cause or CVD mortality risk. Lower mortality among women registered for fertility treatment probably reflected their lower socio-economic disadvantage.

National Canadian Survey on the Management of Noneuploid Embryos.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively describe current preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) practices and management of non-euploid embryos in Canada. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey distributed by email to all medical directors of fertility clinics with independent in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryology laboratories. The survey was designed to determine practice patterns regarding PGT-A usage; PGT-A reference laboratory, platform, and thresholds for classifying embryos; and management of embryos classified as mosaic, inconclusive, or aneuploid. RESULTS: Twenty-five medical directors (69%) participated in the survey. The majority of clinics (91%) offered PGT-A screening, with 45% of clinics offering PGT-A as routine screening. The majority of clinics (90%) that offered PGT-A received mosaicism data; 61% of these clinics had transferred mosaic embryos, and 94% would transfer mosaic embryos. Clinics that performed ≥1000 IVF cycles annually were more likely to have transferred mosaic embryos (100% vs. 45.5%; P = 0.043). The mean percentage of IVF cycles using PGT-A was lower in clinics that had transferred mosaic embryos (12.3% vs. 30.4%; P = 0.033). Only 1 clinic had transferred an aneuploid embryo, but 2 other clinics would consider this option. The majority of clinics (61%) that receive mosaicism data would recommend noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) following mosaic embryo transfer, with 22% of clinics indicating that this would be the only genetic test offered. CONCLUSION: We report significant practice variation in PGT-A and management of non-euploid embryos across Canada and highlight areas where consensus should be encouraged.

The novel oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist relugolix is a new option for controlled ovarian stimulation cycles.

Purpose: Relugolix is an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant), which was first introduced in 2019. This study investigated the effects of the conventional injectable GnRHant formulation and this new oral GnRHant formulation on controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles. Methods: Relugolix was administered in 126 cycles and conventional GnRHant injection was administered in 658 cycles (controls). The follicle stimulation was performed by an antagonist method, and for final oocyte maturation, recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (rHCG), or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa), or both (dual trigger) were selected. The number of retrieved oocytes was counted and then they were evaluated for subsequent development up to cleavage stage. Results: The number of retrieved oocytes which was the primary outcome of this research was affected by the combination of GnRHant type and the final oocyte maturation agent. The combination of relugolix and a GnRHa trigger showed a significantly lower number of retrieved oocytes (p < 0.001) than the other combinations. Conclusions: Relugolix is a new option for COS cycles, but should be carefully combined with the final maturation agent. Clinical trial approval: This study was conducted after approval by the Medical Corporation Sankeikai Institutional Ethics Committee (approval number: 2019-34).

Retrospective Review of Reproductive Outcomes Comparing Vaginal Progesterone to Intramuscular Progesterone as Luteal Support in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles.

OBJECTIVE: Recent literature suggests that progesterone in oil (PIO) is superior to vaginal progesterone (VP; Prometrium) for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer cycles (FET), improving the live birth rate and reducing the rate of miscarriage. PIO has disadvantages including cost, pain, and stress of administration. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether VP is non-inferior to PIO for medicated FET cycles. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates for PIO versus VP for medicated FET cycles, from 2017 to 2020 at a single fertility clinic. A total of 745 participants were included in the study; 438 received VP, and 307 received PIO. Univariate and multivariate binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the rates of pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth between VP and PIO. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated no difference between PIO and VP with respect to the rates of pregnancy (51% vs. 53%), miscarriage (20% vs. 18%), or live birth (31% vs. 34%) (all P > 0.05). For participants taking PIO, the odds of pregnancy were 0.93 [95% CI (0.70, 1.25), P = 0.65] that of participants on VP. CONCLUSION: In our single-centre experience, VP was non-inferior to PIO for endometrial preparation in FET cycles.

A técnica da maternidade substitutiva: uma revisão bibliográfica / The technique of substitutive maternity: a bibliographic review / La técnica de la maternidad sustitutiva: una revisión bibliográfica

Objetivo: contribuir com reflexões acerca da maternidade substitutiva. Metodologia: realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática, de artigos em português, em bases de dados eletrônicas (PubMed, Scielo, BVS e Periódicos CAPES), de 2015 a 2020, resultando em quatro artigos que compõem a revisão. Resultados: os quatro estudos apontam para a inexistência de legislação específica no Brasil sobre as técnicas de reprodução assistida e a maternidade substitutiva e suas consequências. Um artigo destaca a importância do envolvimento de um(a) profissional psicólogo(a) na maternidade substitutiva. Conclusão: atualmente, devido à inexistência de legislação brasileira específica, são seguidas as resoluções do Conselho Federal de Medicina sobre as técnicas de reprodução assistida e maternidade substitutiva. O(a) profissional psicólogo(a) pode contribuir no processo da maternidade substitutiva. Ressaltamos a importância de discussões e disseminação do tema.

Objective: to contribute with reflections on surrogate motherhood. Methods: a systematic bibliographic review of articles in Portuguese was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, Scielo, BVS, and Capes Periodicals) in the last five years, with four articles comprising the review. Results: the studies showed the lack of specific legislation in Brazil on assisted reproduction techniques and surrogate motherhood and its consequences. One study pointed out the importance of the involvement of a professional psychologist in surrogate motherhood. Conclusion: due to the lack of Brazilian legislation, the citizens follow the Federal Council of Medicine's regulations on assisted reproduction techniques and surrogate motherhood. A professional psychologist can contribute to the process of substitutive motherhood. We emphasize the importance of discussions and dissemination of the theme.

Objetivo: contribuir con reflexiones sobre la maternidad subrogada. Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática de artículos en portugués en bases de datos electrónicas (PubMed, Scielo, BVS y Capes Periodicals) en los últimos cinco años, con cuatro artículos que componen la revisión. Resultados: los estudios apuntan a la falta de legislación específica en Brasil sobre técnicas de reproducción asistida y maternidad subrogada y sus consecuencias. Un artículo destaca la importancia de la participación de un psicólogo profesional en la maternidad subrogada. Conclusíon: actualmente, debido a la falta de legislación brasileña específica, se siguen las resoluciones del Consejo Federal de Medicina sobre técnicas de reproducción asistida y maternidad subrogada. El psicólogo profesional puede contribuir al proceso de la maternidad subrogada. Destacamos la importancia de la discusión y difusión del tema.

Great expectations of IVF patients: the role of gender, dispositional optimism and shared IVF prognoses.

STUDY QUESTION: Which success rates do female and male IVF patients expect, what determines their expectations and do patients reconsider their expectations after receiving a personal IVF prognosis at the expense of anxious reactions? SUMMARY ANSWER: Female and male IVF patients have unrealistic high expectations which are positively associated with their dispositional optimism, and which are only reconsidered by patients receiving a less than average IVF prognosis, which leads to more anxious reactions in females. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Female patients undergoing IVF are known to have unrealistic expectations of the success of their own IVF cycle. The available evidence suggests women expect above average performance of their fertility clinic and (family) reproductive systems. The association of gender and personality trait dispositional optimism, with expectations of IVF success and the impact of providing couples with their IVF prognosis have not been studied previously. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A total of 148 partnered individuals participated in this prospective survey at two separate points in treatment: following oocyte aspiration (T1) and embryo transfer (T2) (2019-2020, participation rate = 85%). At the time of embryo transfer, gynaecologists provided couples with their IVF prognosis, calculated with the Adapted van Loendersloot model. Women and their male partners completed questionnaires independently and immediately following oocyte aspiration and embryo transfer. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Dispositional optimism ('LOT-R' questionnaire) and expectations of IVF success (numerical rating scale) were assessed in eligible couples commencing a 2nd-6th IVF cycle on T1. Expectations of IVF success and anxiety ('Spielberger State-Anxiety Inventory') were (re)assessed on T2. The inter-partner correlation of expectations of IVF success was examined. Linear mixed models examined hypothesized determinants of expectations of IVF success (T1) and explored (determinants of) whether participants reconsidered their expectations after receiving their IVF prognosis (T1-T2) and whether couple's IVF prognosis was associated with anxious reactions (T2). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The mean of the IVF success rates expected by patients immediately after oocyte aspiration was 59.1% (±20.0), irrespective of gender (P = 0.077). Partners expectations of IVF success were moderately correlated (r = 0.483; P < 0.001). Expectations of IVF success were positively associated with the participant's dispositional optimism (P < 0.001) but were not associated with their partner's dispositional optimism, women's age and their previous (un)successful IVF experiences. Gynaecologists gave couples their calculated IVF prognosis ranging from 4.8% to 69.2% (mean = 30.9%) at the time of embryo transfer. Gender did not influence whether participants reconsidered their expectations after receiving their prognosis. In contrast to the subgroup (n = 78), who received at least an average IVF prognosis and that did not reconsider their expectations of IVF success, the subgroup (n = 70) receiving a below average IVF prognosis lowered their expectations of IVF success (interaction effect: P < 0.001) from 55% to 46%. A below average IVF prognosis was associated with anxious reactions in women but not in men (interaction effect: P = 0.011). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study design and sample size were more optimal for examining hypothesized determinants of patient's expectations of IVF success than for studying the impact of sharing prognoses with patients. Whether (reconsidering) expectations influences IVF discontinuation rates and achieved live birth rates has yet to be followed-up. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Clinics are advised to offer patients the opportunity of receiving their IVF prognosis. Providing prognoses is in line with patient preferences and tempers the unrealistic high expectations of both partners in couples with a less than average prognosis. A sensitive communication style is indicated, as lower prognoses are associated with mild anxious reactions in women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): E.A.F.D. holds a postdoctoral fellowship of the Research Foundation-Flanders (12H9819N) and this study was funded by the Research Council of the KU Leuven (C14/18/106; project of J.V., K.P. and E.A.F.D.) and as an investigator sponsored study of K.P. and E.A.F.D. by Merck nv/sa Belgium, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.