Intriguing connection between diminished ovarian reserve and childhood traumatic experiences, a prospective case-control study

Abstract

Introduction

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) presents a complex challenge in the field of infertility, with factors like age and genetics traditionally under scrutiny. However, the potential influence of adverse childhood experiences on ovarian reserve remains a relatively unexplored area. This research aims to contribute novel insights to the understanding of diminished ovarian reserve etiology, shedding light on previously unexplored risk factors and their potential implications.

Design

This case-control study was conducted at an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Center of a university hospital. Infertile patients admitted to the ART center were enrolled in the study. The case group consisted of 102 infertile women diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, and the control group consisted of 103 healthy women with male factor infertility. An interview lasting approximately 30 min was held in a separate room with those who volunteered to participate in the study. Due to the sensitivity of the research subject, the data was collected anonymously. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was used to measure adverse childhood experiences, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression in the study. The results were compared between the case and the control groups.

Results

Overall, the total score of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and all subscale scores were higher in the case group (38.28 ± 9.86) than in the control group (35.10 ± 9.52). According to HADS, the total score was 15.92 ± 7.98 in the case group and 14.22 ± 6.87 in the control group.

Conclusions

Our pioneering study is designed to investigate a previously unexplored risk factor in low ovarian reserve. Considering our data and other studies in the literature examining childhood traumas as a risk, it makes us think that the issue is worth examining.