Tattoos are increasingly common among women of reproductive age, yet their potential systemic inflammatory effects and impact on fertility treatment outcomes are unknown. This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate whether the presence, size, duration, and ink characteristics of tattoos are associated with pregnancy outcomes following embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This is a single-center, prospective observational cohort study conducted at the McGill University Health Centre Reproductive Centre. Women undergoing IVF with planned fresh or frozen blastocyst embryo transfer will be enrolled and categorized based on tattoo presence and characteristics. Tattoo information will be collected using a standardized questionnaire and direct measurement. Participants will be followed for pregnancy and obstetric outcomes through medical chart review. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy rate following embryo transfer. Secondary outcomes include clinical pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and live birth.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
328
MUHC Reproductive Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Ongoing Pregnancy Rate
Presence of fetal heartbeat on ultrasound at ≥12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks gestation
Clinical pregnancy rate
presence of a gestational sac
Time frame: 6-8 weeks of gestation
Biochemical pregnancy
positive BHCG test
Time frame: 4-5 weeks of gestation
Miscarriage rate
The spontaneous loss of a fetus
Time frame: before the 20th week of pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy rate
the frequency at which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity
Time frame: upto 10 weeks of gestation
Live birth rate
the frequency of successful deliveries resulting in at least one live-born infant
Time frame: over 23 weeks of gestation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.