In a nutshell
This study examined whether follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels affected live birth rates after assisted reproduction methods. This study determined that women who initiated infertility treatment with high levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels were unlikely to achieve live birth through intrauterine insemination.
Some background
Fertility rates decrease with age due to the lower quality and quantity of eggs produced by the woman. Couples who are trying to get pregnant often turn to assisted reproduction methods, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI; the sperm is placed directly into the woman’s uterus) or in vitro fertilization (IVF; the egg is fertilized outside the body and then placed in the uterus).
Tests used to screen women for ovulation (release of the egg into the uterus) include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol level tests. These tests help predict whether a woman is likely to conceive through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Whether higher levels of these hormones affect pregnancy and birth rates is unclear.
Methods & findings
This study included 603 infertile women who underwent IUI or IVF. The patients were put into four groups based on their hormone levels on day 3 of their cycle.
No live births were seen following IUI in women with high FSH levels (10-15 mIU/mL) and high estradiol levels (more than 40 pg/mL) on day 3 of their cycle. Women with high FSH and estradiol levels had a 33.3% chance of live birth with IVF. Women with high FSH levels were more likely to have cancelled cycles and poor response.
The bottom line
The study concluded that high levels of FSH and estradiol on cycle day 3 predicts failure to achieve live birth following IUI.
The fine print
The levels of FSH can fluctuate between cycles.
Published By :
Fertility and Sterility
Date :
Sep 13, 2014
