Weight and IVF

Hi All

Is there a weight limit or BMI limit that the doctors won't do IVF?
I know it lessens your chances of conceiving but will they still do it if your overweight?
My DH and i will be starting our IVF journey next year and i have quit smoking so far (3months in) but the next step is to loose weight.
Our fertility problems are male related, i ovulate on a 35 day cycle every month, I have never been pregnant before due to being with my DH for 8 years.
Just wanted to know if there were any other people who are overweight and have done IVF?
Or if the doctor wouldn't do it because of your weight?

Jen

Hi Jen,

Many clinics/FS won't do IVF if you have a BMI over 35.

However there are some that will if you have other good indicators (AHM, FSH, etc).

You would have to ask your FS about his/her policy.

Good luck!

Hi Jen,

Good luck on your journey. Quitting smoking must've been hard, well done.
I am currently pregnant with an IVF baby and my BMI is definitely higher than 35.
Our fertility problem is that my tubes are completely blocked. I also have PCOS however still ovulate regularly like you.

I wish you all the best.

Some clinics have limits, however I was in the low 30s for BMI when we cycled and our FS did talk to me about weight and IVF success.

She was matter of fact but supportive, basically said every kilogram I lost would increase our chances. I lost about 4kg in the month before we started and we had success (we also had male factor issues)

I guess though that even if a clinic doesn't have a weight limit, the reality is that it's going to be a factor so worth losing anything you can, even a few kgs are going to be a bonus :)

Hi Jen,

I dread to think what my BMI is, but we went through Melbourne IVF. I had to jump through a few extra hoops - consult with an anaetheti

Aargh DD struck again. Had to consult with an anaethetist to confirm it would be ok through pick up, and an obstetrician to make sure I would be ok to deliver.

Thanks ladys, your information is muchly appreciated. :D

My BMI is about 39, and my FS never mentioned it until I brought up that I had lost some weight... He has encouraged me, but has never said it is a problem. I'm with Melbourne IVF too. If you don't have a fFS already, or are not happy with yours, it could be something to ask the GP who would be the best choice specialist for your situation. Good luck!!

I've seen 3 different FS and all have been willing to do IVF with me. My BMI is around 38 (and, since it was mentioned above, my AMH is crap).

Be aware that you can also have issues with your maternity hospital when you get a BFP if your BMI is over 35. Mine had different rules for anyone with a BMI over 35 and I've heard of others turning women away.

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I've seen 3 different FS and all have been willing to do IVF with me. My BMI is around 38 (and, since it was mentioned above, my AMH is crap).

Be aware that you can also have issues with your maternity hospital when you get a BFP if your BMI is over 35. Mine had different rules for anyone with a BMI over 35 and I've heard of others turning women away.

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I have heard that too, although most of the bigger places seem to be able to manage.

Yeah mine did limit my choices for hospitals but as it turns out, the one I wanted was fine with it. I guess I've been pretty lucky

Mine didn't, I'd say I was up around 33-35 BMI. He only encouraged me to lose weight. Same as Naomi, every bit counts. I lost 15kg, had success but mc-ed, did an FET and had my son. Then I went back again after gaining more and I was at least a 35BMI. It was an epic failure. One poor quality Day 4 that failed and no spares. I also had 2 natural pregs that mc-ed. I went away, lost 30kg and went back and am now 16wks with twins.

You don't have to lose weight, but its great if you can. It really makes so much of a difference in so many aspects of your life. I guess for me it came down to the fact that I wanted my babies more than anything in the world and I was prepared to do whatever it took to get them.