In a nutshell
This study investigated if slow release (SR) intrauterine insemination (IUI) improves pregnancy rates in women with infertility.
They found that SR-IUI may improve pregnancy rates in women under 35 years of age.
Some background
Infertility affects many couples. Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) can be used to achieve a pregnancy. The type of ART can depend on the cause of infertility. Reduced fertility is also called subfertility. The cause may not be clear. Subfertility in men can occur when sperm count is normal but there is poor motility. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an ART used as a first-line treatment. IUI involves delivering sperm into the uterus.
Slow-release IUI (SR-IUI) is a new ART development. SR-IUI involves slowing the rate of sperm released in the uterus. Some experts think this increases the chance of pregnancy. It is not clear if SR-IUI improves pregnancy rates compared to conventional IUI.
Methods & findings
This study included 182 women undergoing ART. Women were randomly assigned to SR-IUI or conventional IUI. SR-IUI was performed using a delivery system. The sperm were slowly delivered to the uterus over 4 hours. Conventional IUI involved a single administration of sperm. The main outcome was the pregnancy rate. The safety of treatment was also evaluated.
The pregnancy rates with SR-IUI was slightly higher (13.2%) than with conventional IUI (10%). However, pregnancy rates were significantly higher with SR-IUI in women under 35 (16.9% vs. 7.2%). The chance of achieving pregnancy was 2.33 times higher with SR-IUI in this age group. Male characteristics were not associated any differences in pregnancy rates between the groups. The safety of the 2 procedures was similar.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that SR-IUI may improve pregnancy rates particularly in women under 35.
The fine print
The number of participants in this study was low. This makes it difficult to measure differences. The study did not measure live birth rates. Larger controlled studies are needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Scientific reports
Date :
May 07, 2020
