Multiple follicular recruitment and intrauterine insemination outcomes compared by age and diagnosis

We studied the outcome of our intrauterine insemination (IUI) programme, evaluating female age and diagnosis. One-hundred-and-twenty-six patients less than 36 years of age (mean 30.91 +/- 3.02 years) completed 306 cycles of multiple follicular recruitment (MFR) and timed IUI; 64 patients greater than or equal to 36 years of age (mean 38.36 +/- 2.08 years) completed 166 cycles (total 190 patients, 472 cycles). The male partners' semen was prepared for IUI with wash and swim-up techniques. Diagnostic groups were: male factor (n = 26), idiopathic (n = 33), endometriosis (n = 19), ovulatory disorder (n = 7), other (n = 19) and combined factors (n = 86). Pregnancy rates (% per couple, % per cycle) [overall (31.58, 12.7)] [less than 36 years (38.10, 15.69)] [greater than 36 years (18.75, 7.23)] were greater in the less than 36 years group (P less than 0.025). The probability of conception after three treatment cycles was 0.402 overall, 0.481 for age less than 36 years and 0.252 for age greater than or equal to 36 years. The probability of conception for male factor and idiopathic infertility patients was 0.469 and 0.411 respectively. An age effect was found on pregnancy rates in the idiopathic group only. In conclusion, MFR + IUI is a valuable treatment especially for male factor patients and patients less than 36 years old, with idiopathic infertility.