Intrauterine insemination. Strategies to optimize treatment outcome

PhD ceremony: Ms. A.E.P. Cantineau, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: Intrauterine insemination. Strategies to optimize treatment outcome

Promotor(s): prof. M.J. Heineman

Faculty: Medical Sciences

 

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with mild ovarian hyperstimulation is the first choice treatment for couples with unexplained or male factor sub-fertility and is probably the most applied insemination technique in fertility treatment. The pregnancy rate per IUI treatment is presently about 10%. The aim of this thesis was to investigate strategies to optimize the effect of IUI. It was found that premature LH surges occur frequently during IUI treatment but do not seem to influence treatment outcome negatively. GnRH antagonists prevent premature LH surges. However, adding a GnRH antagonist does not increase live birth rates significantly and is therefore not recommended. Additionally, based on current evidence it is recommended to perform a single intra-uterine insemination per cycle.