Effects of Fasting on Success Rates of Assisted Reproductive Techologies

Effects of Fasting on Success Rates of In-vitro-fertilization (IVF) / Intracytoplasmatic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in Women With Fertility Disorders

This exploratory study investigates fasting as a potential supportive therapy for infertility treatment in women undergoing in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) / intracystoplamsatic sperm injection (ICSI)

This 2-arm, randomized, controlled exploratory clinical trial aims to explore fasting as a novel supportive treatment in female infertility during IVF / ICSI. The participants will be randomized in two groups: a fasting group and a waiting list. The intervention group follows a fasting intervention, whereas the patients on the waiting list continue their normal diet. All groups will be trained and accompanied by medical experts. In addition, qualitative interviews will be conducted including individual and focus group interviews with a subgroup of participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 25 to 38 years with planned IVF / ICSI
• 1 ng/ml ≤ Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) ≤ 4 ng/ml
• Unfulfilled desire to have children >1 year
• 25 kg/m² ≤ BMI ≤ 35 kg/m² declaration of consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Language barriers
• Previously known serious mental illness or cognitive impairment
• Patients with anatomical/organic damage and proven uterine abnormalities
• Eating disorders in the medical history
• Serious previous internal diseases
• Lack of internet access
• No consent to randomisation
• Participation in other studies