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Can waterborne infections in monsoon affect IVF efficacy?

Waterborne illness is a significant, though underappreciated, risk factor for IVF failure. Avoidance therapy, proper consumption of drinking water, and proper infection treatment are critical to the preservation of reproductive well-being and the best prospects for successful IVF.

Waterborne illnesses weaken the immune system. A compromised immune response can lead to inflammation in the body, which can be a disruptor of embryo implantation and lower the success rate of IVF.
Waterborne illnesses weaken the immune system. A compromised immune response can lead to inflammation in the body, which can be a disruptor of embryo implantation and lower the success rate of IVF.
| Updated on: Aug 29, 2025 | 04:09 PM

New Delhi: Waterborne disease is a disease caused by a pathogen like bacteria, viruses, or parasites through contaminated water. Cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and giardiasis are some of the waterborne diseases. Although the diseases have been attributed to gastrointestinal illness, they bear great reproductive health implications—namely for those or couples who are pursuing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

In an interaction with TV9 English, Dr Puneet Rana Arora, Reproductive Health and IVF Expert, CIFAR, Gurugram, explained how waterborne diseases can have an impact on IVF results.

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How Waterborne Disease Affects IVF

  • Compromised Immune System: Waterborne illnesses weaken the immune system. A compromised immune response can lead to inflammation in the body, which can be a disruptor of embryo implantation and lower the success rate of IVF.
  • Fever and Dehydration: Excessive fever caused by illnesses such as typhoid or gastroenteritis may also be detrimental to egg and sperm quality as well as mobility. Cellular functions may be further impaired by dehydration, such as in the case of fertilization and embryo formation.
  • Toxin Exposure and Endocrine Disruption: Some parasites and bacteria secrete toxins that disrupt hormonal control. The progesterone and estrogen hormones are essential to the IVF cycle, and any disruption can cause cancellation or an undesirable outcome.
  • Delayed Treatment Cycles: Contracting an infection, waterborne during or before IVF, may cause a delay in treatment. Antibiotics and antiviral therapy can affect IVF medications, requiring rescheduling and additional stress.
  • Impact on Pregnancy: If infection develops in early pregnancy due to infections such as hepatitis A or E, it can heighten the risk of miscarriage or complications. This is especially worrying for IVF pregnancies, already risky as they are.

Precautionary Measures

Sip purified or boiled water, particularly where there is a compromise in sanitation.

Avoid raw food prepared with untreated water.

Practice good personal hygiene and hand hygiene.

Conclusion

Waterborne illness is a significant, though underappreciated, risk factor for IVF failure. Avoidance therapy, proper consumption of drinking water, and proper infection treatment are critical to the preservation of reproductive well-being and the best prospects for successful IVF.

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