Intrauterine insemination: prognostic factors

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infertility Research

Background:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common first-line treatment for infertility.
• Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for optimizing IUI success rates.
• Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding predictive variables in IUI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate maternal and paternal prognostic factors influencing IUI outcomes.
• To assess the impact of different ovarian stimulation protocols on IUI success.
• To determine key predictors for clinical pregnancy and live birth in IUI cycles.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 341 IUI cycles (2016-2020).
• Analysis of maternal age, paternal age, BMI, infertility causes, ovarian response, and semen parameters.
• Statistical analysis including Wilcoxon's test, chi-square test, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Ovulation induction with gonadotropins plus letrozole significantly increased live birth rates (OR 4.3286).
• Post-capacitation progressive sperm count ≥ 5 million/mL was also correlated with live birth.
• Maternal/paternal age, obesity, multifollicular growth, and endometrial thickness were not significant predictors.

Conclusions:

• The protocol using gonadotropins plus letrozole is a significant factor for IUI success.
• Adequate progressive sperm count is essential for achieving live births after IUI.
• These findings help refine patient selection and treatment protocols for IUI.