[Acceptability and value of autoinjection of gonadotropins for ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptability, the personal and economic benefit of subcutaneous self-injections of recombinant FSH within mono-ovulating stimulation for Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI).


METHODS
Women aged < 42 years' old, enrolled for a series of three IIU associated with ovarian stimulation with FSH. All had an infertility > 2 years, at least one patent fallopian tube, and normal FSH and estradiol levels at day three of the cycle. In the male partner, the migration test yielded > 10(6) mobile spermatozoa with survivals > 10% after 24 h. Once entered in the study, the patients (with or without their partners) were informed and shown how to administer the injection. After each cycle, they filled up a questionnaire evaluating the training and the possible difficulties they had with their infertility treatment.


RESULTS
Forty women were treated. 103 cycles were achieved (including 40 first cycles, 35 second cycles and 28 third cycles) 99 IUI were performed and ten pregnancies were obtained. Four cycles were cancelled: Premature fall of estradiol levels (n = 2), multiple pregnancy risk (n = 1) and spontaneous ovulation (n = 1). Three pregnancies occurred spontaneously between treatment cycles. All the patients appreciate to perform subcutaneous self-injections (themselves or by the partner) without any deleterious effect on stimulation cycles results and they expressed their will to continue for the next treatment cycles.


CONCLUSIONS
After a quick initiation to subcutaneous injections, and its use, women appreciated their active involvement in the treatment and the self-sufficiency so achieved. By planning an educational program, medical staff could participate to improve the stress experienced by the women and their partners through the infertility treatment.
Zorn
J R
JR
Service de gynécologie obstétrique III, clinique universitaire Baudelocque, hôpital Cochin, 123, boulevard de Port-Royal, 75014 Paris, France.
Coffineau
A
A
Abirached
F
F
Sari
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007317:Insemination, Artificial, Homologous; D008297:Male; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012646:Self Administration
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone