Efecto de la abstinencia sexual masculina en los resultados reproductivos

Abstract

Background and objective

The available literature suggests that longer periods of male abstinence have a negative effect on reproductive outcomes. However, the low sample size of the available studies and the lack of consensus make further research necessary in order to establish an optimal abstinence period to improve the reproductive possibilities of each couple. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of male sexual abstinence period on reproductive outcomes after IVF and ICSI.

Material and methods

This retrospective, observational, multicentre, cohort study has the largest sample size to date, 7789 embryo transfers were included in the study. The study participants were divided into 4 quartiles according to their period of abstinence: Q1 (0–3 days abstinence), Q2 (3–4 days), Q3 (4–5 days) and Q4 (> 5 days abstinence). The outcome measures used were: gestation rate (biochemical, clinical and evolutionary), VUR delivery rate and miscarriage rate (biochemical and clinical) calculated per single embryo transfer and for the total number of embryo transfers for each patient.

Results

Biochemical gestation rate (adjusted Odds Ratio (ORadj): 2.943, p = .022), clinical gestation rate (ORajd: 2.649, p = .028), evolutionary gestation rate (ORadj: 3.637, p = .005) and VUR delivery rate (ORadj: 3.008, p = .021) were significantly higher in the third quartile when compared to the first quartile. Clinical gestation (ORadj: 0.192, p = .010) was significantly lower in the fourth quartile when compared to the first quartile.

Conclusions

A period of sexual abstinence of more than 4 and up to 5 days significantly increases biochemical, clinical and evolutionary gestation rates and VUR delivery rate. A period of abstinence longer than 5 days appears to worsen reproductive outcomes.