Effect of smoking on the ovarian response to stimulation, IVF results and on cadmium residues in blood and follicular fluid

This prospective study has measured and analyzed the association between cigarette smoking and basal serum gonadotropins concentrations, the ovarian response to stimulation and outcome of IVF, and cadmium (Cd) residues in blood and follicular fluid. In the group of 120 women undergoing the NF procedure there were 27 smokers, 77 non-smokers, and 16 ex-smokers. Smokers had significantly higher number of cancelled cycles (22.2% vs. 6.5%), lower fertilization rate (36.8% vs. 55.0%) and less embryotransfers (37.0% vs. 68.8%). Cd blood levels were significantly higher in smokers (0.67 vs. 0.34 ng/ml), Cd concentrations in follicular fluid were similar. Significant differences in basal FSH and LH levels and ovarian response to stimulation were not found.