Finally Some Good News About Caffeine

Taking IVF drugs can over-stimulate the ovaries, causing blood vessels to dilate and blood fluid to leak into tissue.

The complication, called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, affects a third of the 40,000 women who undergo IVF every year.

The majority of cases are mild, causing abdominal pain and a bloated feeling. In its most serious form it can be life-threatening, causing blood clotting disorders, kidney damage and ovarian problems.

It may be that a cup of strong coffee with every IVF cycle could reduce the chances of OHSS. Caffeine competes with adenosine for the same receptors, effectively blocking adenosine's action, and it could therefore potentially treat the cause of this condition', said Professor Iles.

Studies are now being carried out to see whether caffeine is able to reduce the effects of OHSS. This research is published in the journal Metabolism.

Individuals who clear adenosine more slowly are therefore likely to have higher levels, and to also experience more severe symptoms.

If scientists can find a way to block adenosine they may be able to reduce the effects of the condition. Fortunately, a candidate already exists in the form of caffeine.

This doesn't mean that you can down a pot of coffee every morning. Moderation is everything.