Relationship between follicle number and (multiple) live birth rate after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between the number of mature ovarian follicles and the (multiple) live birth rate after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination.

Study design: A total of 2463 intrauterine insemination cycles performed during a natural cycle (n = 118), or after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with either clomiphene citrate (n = 663) or with gonadotrophins (n = 1682) were reviewed to assess the impact of the type of stimulation and the number of follicles 14 mm or larger on the (multiple) live birth rate per cycle.

Results: The live birth rate after intrauterine insemination was significantly higher (P = .02) after stimulation with gonadotrophins (13%) than after clomiphene cirate (8%) if only 1 follicle 14 mm or larger was present. If 2 or more follicles were present, there was no statistically significant difference between both stimulation methods.

Conclusion: Treatment of intrauterine insemination with gonadotrophin is effective with an acceptable (multiple) live birth rate when 1 or 2 follicles 14 mm or larger are present.