Cycle fecundity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination. Influence of the number of mature follicles at hCG administration.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if cycle fecundity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles is influenced by the number of mature follicles at the time of hCG administration.


METHODS
Retrospective data analysis of 75 infertility patients undergoing 164 consecutive COH/IUI cycles with FSH and/or hMG in a university-affiliated private infertility center. Cycles were compared for number of mature follicles (> or = 15 mm) and peak serum estradiol levels, total number of ampules and days of gonadotropin use, and clinical pregnancy rate.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant increase in cycle fecundity when three to four mature follicles were stimulated. Peak estradiol levels were significantly different in the groups, as predicted from the number of follicles. The groups were not statistically different in age or etiology of infertility. Group A (1-2 mature follicles) required significantly more FSH/hMG than group B (3-4 follicles) or group C (> or = 5 follicles).


CONCLUSIONS
In COH/IUI cycles, three to four mature follicles yield improved cycle fecundity as compared to that in cycles with a smaller or larger number of follicles. These findings may help identify patients who will be more successful in conceiving with COH/IUI versus those who should be counseled to use other assisted reproductive technologies.
Kaplan
Paul F
PF
Women's Care Fertility Center, 590 Country Club Parkway, Suite A, Eugene, OR 97401, USA. pkaplan@oregon.uoregon.edu
Katz
Steven L
SL
Thompson
Alivia K
AK
Freund
Richard D
RD
D000328:Adult; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D008297:Male; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013480:Superovulation
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D004958:Estradiol