Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 4-2026

Major

Biology

Minor

Chemistry

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Sterling Wright, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Chris Trzepacz, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Ricky Cox, Committee Member

Abstract/Description

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most widely used type of assisted reproductive technology for treating infertility arising from a number of conditions. As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, infertility has been discovered to have a direct correlation. Individuals that fall below or above the healthy body mass index range are found to have disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in diminished reproductive health. Those that are diagnosed as infertile due to conditions caused by the effects of low body mass index or high body mass index may seek assisted reproductive technologies to intervene in achieving a successful pregnancy. This thesis examines the effects of body mass index, including both above and below average ranges, on fertility and the success of IVF treatment.

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