Comparison of the effectiveness of single intrauterine insemination (IUI) versus double IUI per cycle in infertile patients

Abstract 

Objective

To compare a single periovulatory intrauterine insemination (IUI) with a regimen based on double IUI, performed during preovulatory and periovulatory periods, in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

Design

Prospective, randomized study.

Setting

Infertility and endocrinology units of a medical university.

Patient(s)

One hundred ten patients with male factor, cervical factor, and unexplained infertility who were undergoing 486 cycles of COH with IUI.

Intervention(s)

The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent single IUI in the first cycle and double IUI in the second cycle; this alternating pattern was continued up to six cycles unless pregnancy occurred. For patients in the second group, double IUI was performed in the first cycle and single IUI in the second cycle; this pattern was repeated as in the first group.

Main outcome measure(s)

Relationship of single and double IUI to rates of clinical pregnancy and abortion.

Result(s)

Forty-two women became pregnant, with an overall pregnancy rate per cycle of 8.6% and pregnancy rate per couple of 38.2%. Pregnancy rate per cycle was 7.9% in single IUI cycles and was 9.4% in double IUI cycles; these findings were not statistically significant.

Conclusion(s)

Among patients undergoing COH-IUI, results of single and double IUI do not statistically differ.

Keywords:  Intrauterine insemination, superovulation, double insemination