In a nutshell
This study investigated if intrauterine insemination (IUI) is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes in women with a low ovarian reserve.
They found that pregnancy outcomes after IUI were similar in women with normal and low ovarian reserve.
Some background
Infertility can have many causes. One cause is a low ovarian reserve (LOR). LOR occurs when a woman has a reduced number of oocytes (eggs). The anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is involved in the maturation of oocyte follicles. Low AMH levels suggest that a woman has LOR.
Many women with LOR may undergo assisted reproduction (AR). In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most well-known type of AR. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another method of AR. It can be used in women with LOR or normal ovarian reserve (NOR). It is unclear if pregnancy outcomes after IUI are different in women with LOR.
Methods & findings
This study included 3019 women undergoing AR. Women with NOR and LOR were included. AMH levels were used to group patients. The groups were: AMH less than 1 ng/ml (low AMH) and more than 1 ng/ml (high AMH). Other patient data such as body mass index (BMI) were also analyzed. Pregnancy outcomes included conception rate (CR), pregnancy loss (PL) and live birth rate (LBR).
12.3% of women had low AMH. There was no difference in pregnancy outcomes after IUI in women with LOR or NOR.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that pregnancy outcomes after IUI were similar in women with NOR and LOR.
The fine print
This study included women aged less than 35. It is unclear if the same effect is seen in women over 35. More controlled studies are needed.
Published By :
Fertility and Sterility
Date :
Mar 05, 2020
