Outcomes of female reproductive performance with assisted reproductive techniques after recent mild to moderate COVID-19 infections: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) on clinical outcomes among high-risk patients. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 1,368 patients and the same number of cycles, including 520 cycles with PGT-A and 848 cycles without PGT-A. The study participants comprised women of advanced maternal age (AMA) and those affected by recurrent implantation failure (RIF), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), or severe male factor infertility (SMF). RESULTS: PGT-A was associated with significant improvements in the implantation rate (IR) and the ongoing pregnancy rate/live birth rate (OPR/LBR) per embryo transfer cycle in the AMA (39.3% vs. 16.2% [p<0.001] and 42.0% vs. 21.8% [p<0.001], respectively), RIF (41.7% vs. 22.0% [p<0.001] and 47.0% vs. 28.6% [p<0.001], respectively), and RPL (45.6% vs. 19.5% [p<0.001] and 49.1% vs. 24.2% [p<0.001], respectively) groups, as well as the IR in the SMF group (43.3% vs. 26.5%, p=0.011). Additionally, PGT-A was associated with lower overall incidence rates of pregnancy loss in the AMA (16.7% vs. 34.3%, p=0.001) and RPL (16.7% vs. 50.0%, p<0.001) groups. However, the OPR/LBR per total cycle across all PGT-A groups did not significantly exceed that for the control groups. CONCLUSION: PGT-A demonstrated beneficial effects in high-risk patients. However, our findings indicate that these benefits are more pronounced in carefully selected candidates than in the entire high-risk patient population.

Hepatitis C infection seroprevalence in pregnant women worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Monitoring progress towards the WHO global target to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, entails reliable prevalence estimates for HCV infection in different populations. Little is known about the global burden of HCV infection in pregnant women. Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we estimated the global and regional seroprevalence of HCV antibody (Ab) and determinants in pregnant women. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SciELO databases for peer-reviewed observational studies between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2023, without language or geographical restrictions. Pooled global seroprevalence (and 95% confidence interval, CI) were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis and seroprevalences were categorised according to World Health Organization regions and subregions, publishing year, countries' income and human development index (HDI) levels. We used sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of four large sample size studies on pooled global prevalence through the "leave-one-out" method. We also investigated the association of potential risk factors with HCV seropositivity in pregnant women by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The Protocol was registered in PROSPERO CRD42023423259. Findings: We included 192 eligible studies (208 datasets), with data for 148,509,760 pregnant women from 53 countries. The global seroprevalence of HCV Ab in pregnant women was 1.80% (95% CI, 1.72-1.89%) and 3.29% (3.01-3.57%) in overall and sensitivity analyses, respectively. The seroprevalence was highest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (6.21%, 4.39-8.29%) and lowest in the Western Pacific region (0.75%, 0.38-1.22%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the seroprevalence of HCV Ab among pregnant women was significantly higher for those with opioid use disorder (51.94%, 95% CI: 37.32-66.39) and HIV infection (4.34%, 95% CI: 2.21-7.06%) than for the general population of pregnant women (1.08%, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15%), as confirmed by multivariable meta-regression (p < 0.001). A significant decreasing trend was observed with increasing human development index levels. Other important risk factors for HCV seropositivity included older age, lower educational levels, poly sexual activity, history of blood transfusion, hospitalization, surgery, abortion and sexual transmitted diseases, having scarification/tattoo or piercing, and testing hepatitis B positive. Interpretation: This meta-analysis showed relatively high burden of exposure to HCV infection (2.2-5.3 million) in pregnant women globally. However, due to substantial heterogeneity between studies, our estimates might be different than the true seroprevalence. Our findings highlighted the need to expand HCV screening for women of reproductive age or during pregnancy, particularly in countries with high prevalence; as well as for more studies that assess safety of existing therapeutic drugs during pregnancy or potentially support development of drugs for pregnant women. Funding: There was no funding source for this study.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis, undergoing artificial endometrial preparation with and without gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist pretreatment in frozen embryo transfer cycles: An RCT.

Background: Selecting a suitable and preferable method for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles for women with adenomyosis is still challenging in infertility treatment. Objective: To compare 2 artificial endometrial preparation regimens with and without gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) pretreatment in women with adenomyosis undergoing FET cycles. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 140 adenomyosis cases who underwent FET cycles at Arash Women's hospital, Tehran, Iran from May 2020 to March 2021. Participants were randomly allocated into hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and HRT+GnRHa pretreatment groups (n = 70/each). Endometrial preparation with 2-6 mg daily estradiol was started in the HRT+GnRHa group, taking after down-regulation with the GnRHa. Within the HRT group, the same dose of estradiol was commenced within the early follicular stage. The main (chemical and clinical pregnancy rates) and auxiliary results (twin pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates) were compared between groups. Results: The demographic characteristics and severity of adenomyosis, endometrial thickness, and pattern at starting progesterone administration were similar in the 2 groups, and triple-line endometrium was found to be the dominant pattern in both groups (p = 0.65). No significant differences were observed in chemical, clinical, and twin pregnancy rates as well as miscarriage and live birth rates between groups (p = 0.71, p = 0.81, p = 0.11, and p = 0.84, respectively). However, the total estrogen dose and duration of estrogen consumption were significantly higher in the pretreatment group (p = 0.001, and p = 0.003). Conclusion: These results indicated that the hormonal endometrial preparation with estrogen and progestin for FET cycles is as efficacious as a protocol involving preceding pituitary suppression with a GnRHa. Further large randomized clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

Circulating and Endometrial Profiles of miR-145, miR-155-5p, miR-224, MPP-5, and PECAM-1 Expression in Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: An association between microRNAs (miRNAs) and adhesion proteins expression with repeated implantation failure (RIF) has been recently reported; however, these findings are controversial. This study aims to evaluate the endometrial and circulating expressions of miR-145, miR-155-5p, and miR-224 in addition to the endometrial expressions of membrane protein palmitoylated-5 (MPP-5) and endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in patients with RIF compared to control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was carried out between June 2021-July 2022. Subjects included 17 patients with RIF and 17 control subjects, who had previous spontaneous term pregnancy with a live birth, who referred to the Medical Centre of Arash Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Endometrial tissue samples were obtained via hysteroscopy and Pipelle catheter in the RIF and control subjects, respectively. Plasma samples were collected after ovulation in all subjects. The expression levels of MPP5, PECAM-1, miR-224, miR-145, and miR-155-5p were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The student's t test, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for data analyses. RESULTS: RIF patients had less endometrial miR-155-5p expression, and higher endometrial and circulating expressions of miR-145 and miR-224 compared to control subjects. Endometrial PECAM-1 and MPP5 expression significantly decreased in patients with RIF compared to the control group. There was a positive correlation between circulating miR-224 and endometrial miR-155-5p, and between circulating miR-155-5p and endometrial PECAM-1 expression levels in patients with RIF. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that circulating miR-224, endometrial miR-145, and PECAM-1 can be reliable, novel biomarkers for diagnosis of RIF.

Quadruplet Heterotopic Pregnancy Following In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer with Laparotomic Removal of Ruptured Twin Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is a rare occurrence in natural pregnancies. However, it can be a life-threatening condition and should be taken into account in all assisted reproductive treatments. Diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy are challenging issues in patients with HP. Here, we report a rare case of quadruplet HP following an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with a viable twin intrauterine pregnancy and ruptured live twin left tubal ectopic pregnancy. A 35-year-old woman (gravida 5, para 1, ectopic pregnancies 2, and abortion 1) was presented to the Emergency Department of Arash Women's Hospital (Tehran, Iran) in March 2021 with abdominal pain. The patient was at six weeks and five days of pregnancy following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) revealed a live twin intrauterine pregnancy with a ruptured live twin left tubal ectopic pregnancy. The latter was removed via laparotomy to preserve the intrauterine pregnancy. The patient subsequently delivered a female infant at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Worldwide prevalence of human papillomavirus among pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical cancer and a suspected agent for ovarian and endometrial cancers in women. It is associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy. To date, there is no estimate of the prevalence of HPV infection in pregnant women at the regional and global levels. This study evaluated the global prevalence of HPV infection based on all observational studies that had reported the prevalence of HPV among pregnant women between January 1980 and December 2021 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and SciELO databases. We utilised a random-effect model to determine the global prevalence and related risk factors of HPV infection. Between-studies heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic. Moreover, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were employed to assess the source of heterogeneity and the relationship between HPV prevalence and socio-demographic factors, respectively. Among 144 eligible studies comprising 189 datasets, the overall prevalence rates of HPV at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated as 30.38% (26.88%-33.99%), 17.81% (9.81%-27.46%), 32.1% (25.09%-39.67%), 2.26% (0.1%-8.08%) and 25.5% (23.3%-27.8%) in cervico-vaginal, placenta, serum, amniotic fluid and urine samples, respectively. The highest prevalence rates were estimated for countries in the African region, while countries in the European and Eastern Mediterranean regions showed the lowest prevalence rates. HPV-16 and -18 were the most prevalent isolated strains. The pregnant women living with HIV and those with pregnancy disorders had significantly higher prevalence rates than general pregnant women (p < 0.05). The younger ages for first intercourse and pregnancy, multiple lifetime sexual partners, and lower education levels were primary risk factors for HPV infection. In conclusion, although the overall HPV prevalence varied markedly based on sampling sites and geographical locations, the highest prevalence rates were observed in less-developed countries. Our findings imply that implementing behavioural and therapeutic interventions as well as vaccination programs are crucial to prevent and reduce the current burden of HPV infection among pregnant women.

Human Papillomavirus Infection during Pregnancy and Childhood: A Comprehensive Review.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease worldwide, is the causative agent for several genital and oropharyngeal cancers and a suspected agent for many malignancies. HPV is associated with several adverse health outcomes during pregnancy. Infants are also at risk of HPV infection via different transmission routes: vertically from an infected mother and horizontally through sexual or non-sexual contact with infected individuals. Several HPV manifestations have been identified during childhood, ranging from common skin infections to severe complications such as juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, manifestations, and treatment strategies of HPV infection during pregnancy and childhood. Moreover, we underline the role of vaccination in preventing complications.

Natural cycle versus modified natural cycle for endometrial preparation in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: An RCT.

Background: Studies have evaluated different endometrial preparation methods, but the optimal frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle strategy in terms of the in-vitro fertilization outcome is still debated. Objective: To compare the natural versus modified natural cycles for endometrial preparation in women undergoing FET. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial, and it was performed at the Arash women's hospital between August 2016-2018. Hundred and forty eligible participants were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into 2 groups by using the block randomization method, including true natural FET (n = 70) and modified natural FET (mNFET) (n = 70) cycles. Both groups were monitored for endometrial thickness and follicular size; simultaneously spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge using urinary luteinizing hormone testing kits. The mNFET group received 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin injection to trigger final follicular maturation. Luteal support by vaginal progesterone (cyclogest 400 mg twice daily) was used in true natural FET from the day of transfer until the 10 th wk of pregnancy. Chemical and clinical pregnancy and abortion rates were considered as the primary outcomes. Results: There were no differences in the participants' baseline characteristics between groups. There was no difference in clinical pregnancy and abortion rate between groups, while the implantation rate was significantly higher in the mNFET group (29.2% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.036). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that both types of natural cycles were similar in pregnancy outcomes, while modified cycles might be associated with a higher implantation rate.

Placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PartoSure) test for the prediction of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of the placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) to predict preterm birth (PB) in women with symptoms of PB through use of formal methods for systematic reviews and meta-analytic techniques. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search of medical bibliographic databases to identify observational studies that reported on the predictive accuracy of PAMG-1 for PB. Two investigators independently assessed studies, assessed quality of studies, and extracted data. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves, pooled sensitivities, specificities, likelihood ratios (LR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were generated. RESULTS: Seventeen studies involving 2590 women met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of 15 studies (including 1906 women) revealed a pooled sensitivity of 66.2% (95% CI: 59.1, 72.7) and specificity of 96.1% (95% CI: 95.1, 97.0) with the SROC equal to 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.98) for prediction of delivery within 7 d of testing. The summary estimates were 15.26 (95% CI: 11.80, 19.75) for LR + and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.55) for LR - for prediction of delivery within 7 d of testing. Pooled estimate of DOR for predicting delivery within 7 d of testing was 55.13 (95% CI: 35.32, 86.06). The sensitivity, specificity and the SROC of PAMG-1 pooled from 10 studies (including 1508 women) for prediction of delivery within 14 d of testing were 64.4% (95% CI: 56.8, 71.5), 96.9% (95% CI: 95.8, 97.7) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.98). The overall pooled LR + and LR - of PAMG-1 for predicting delivery within 14 d of testing among the included studies were 16.72 (95% CI: 12.03, 23.23) and 0.42.1 (95% CI: 0.31, 0.56), respectively. The pooled DOR of the PAMG-1 for prediction delivery within 14 d of testing was equal to 44.65 (95% CI: 26.30, 75.78). CONCLUSION: Cervical PAMG-1 had a high accuracy to predict PB within 7 and 14 d of testing in symptomatic pregnant women.

The effect of letrozole versus artificial hormonal endometrial preparation on pregnancy outcome after frozen-thawed embryos transfer cycles: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Considering that clinical trial studies are limited in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, and there is no consensus on an optimum endometrial preparation protocol for frozen embryo transfer (FET), the present study was designed as a randomized clinical trial to compare the reproductive outcomes following stimulated cycles with letrozole plus human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) for endometrial preparation compared with routine AC-FET. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was carried out on infertile PCOS patients who underwent IVF/ICSI and FET cycles in Arash Women's Hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences between September 2018 and January 2020. PCOS diagnosis was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into two groups: stimulated cycle with letrozole plus (HMG) (intervention group) and routine artificial hormonal endometrial preparation (control group). RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven infertile patients were recruited for participation in the study. Of these, 57 women were excluded due to non-eligibility for entering the study, and a total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to two study groups. After follow up, the cycle outcomes of 57 patients in the intervention group and 59 patients in the control group were compared. The data analysis showed that the two groups did not have significant differences in fundamental and demographic characteristics. After the intervention, there were no significant differences in implantation rate, chemical, ectopic, and clinical pregnancy rates between groups. Moreover, the rates of miscarriage and ongoing pregnancy were similar between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found similar pregnancy outcomes with two endometrial preparation methods. Noting that each treatment centre should select the most beneficial and cost-effective method with the least adverse effects for patients, letrozole preparations for FET could be incorporated into possible options; however, establishing this approach as first-line treatment is premature in light of current evidence, and future randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes are required for widespread application. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was also registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on March 20th, 2020. ( IRCT20090526001952N12 at www.irct.ir , registered retrospectively).

Fresh versus frozen embryo transfer after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist cycles among high responder women: A randomized, multi-center study.

Background: The use of embryo cryopreservation excludes the possible detrimental effects of ovarian stimulation on the endometrium, and higher reproductive outcomes following this policy have been reported. Moreover, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles as a substitute for standard human chorionic gonadotropin trigger, minimizes the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in fresh as well as frozen embryo transfer cycles (FET). Objective: To compare the reproductive outcomes and risk of OHSS in fresh vs frozen embryo transfer in high responder patients, undergoing in vitro fertilization triggered with a bolus of GnRH agonist. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, multi-centre study, 121 women undergoing FET and 119 women undergoing fresh ET were investigated as regards clinical pregnancy as the primary outcome and the chemical pregnancy, live birth, OHSS development, and perinatal data as secondary outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences between FET and fresh groups regarding chemical (46.4% vs. 40.2%, p=0.352), clinical (35.8% vs. 38.3%, p=0.699), and ongoing (30.3% vs. 32.7%, p=0.700) pregnancy rates, also live birth (30.3% vs. 29.9%, p=0.953), perinatal outcomes, and OHSS development (35.6% vs. 42.9%, p=0.337). No woman developed severe OHSS and no one required admission to hospital. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GnRHa trigger followed by fresh transfer with modified luteal phase support in terms of a small human chorionic gonadotropin bolus is a good strategy to secure good live birth rates and a low risk of clinically relevant OHSS development in in vitro fertilization patients at risk of OHSS.

Pregnancy outcome of "delayed start" GnRH antagonist protocol versus GnRH antagonist protocol in poor responders: A clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Management of poor-responding patients is still major challenge in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol is recommended to these patients, but little is known in this regards. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was assessment of delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol in poor responders, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included sixty infertile women with Bologna criteria for ovarian poor responders who were candidate for IVF. In case group (n=30), delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol administered estrogen priming followed by early follicular-phase GnRH antagonist treatment for 7 days before ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin. Control group (n=30) treated with estrogen priming antagonist protocol. Finally, endometrial thickness, the rates of oocytes maturation, , embryo formation, and pregnancy were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Rates of implantation, chemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy in delayed-start cycles were higher although was not statistically significant. Endometrial thickness was significantly higher in case group. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of oocyte maturation, embryo formation, and IVF outcomes between two groups. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol versus GnRH antagonist protocol.

Efficacy of Intrauterine infusion of granulocyte colony stimulating factor on patients with history of implantation failure: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Although pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles has been increased over the preceding years, but the majority of IVF-ET cycles still fail. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is a glycoprotein that stimulates cytokine growth factor and induces immune system which may improve pregnancy rate in women with history of implantation failure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate GCSF ability to improve pregnancy rate in women with history of implantation failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 0.5 ml (300 µg/ml) GCSF was infused intrauterine in intervention group. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed based on clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 31.95±4.71 years old. There were no significant differences between demographic characteristics in two groups (p>0.05). The pregnancy outcome in GCSF group was improved significantly (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: GCSF can improve pregnancy outcome in patients with history of implantation failure.

Effect of adding human chorionic gonadotropin to frozen thawed embryo transfer cycles with history of thin endometrium.

BACKGROUND: Embryo implantation process is a complex phenomenon and depends on fetal and maternal factors interaction. Endometrial thickness is needed for successful implantation. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study in order to assess adding human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to the conventional protocol in endometrial preparation in women with thin endometrium and a history of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The non-randomized clinical trial study (quasi experimental design) was performed on 28 patients. Participants were women who were candidate for frozen-thawed (ET) and had two previous failed ET cycles because of thin endometrial. HCG was administrated (150 IU, intramuscular) from the 8th day of cycle and when endometrial thickness reached at least 7mm HCG was discontinued and frozen thawed ET was done. RESULTS: Totally 28 patients were included. The mean ± SD age of participants was 30.39±4.7. The mean of endometrium thickness before and after HCG were 5.07±0.43 and 7.85±0.52, respectively p<0.001. Also, there were five clinically and chemically pregnant women. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggested that adding HCG to the conventional preparation method was an effective protocol and significantly improved endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in women with previous embryo transfer failure because of thin endometrium.

Effects of single dose GnRH agonist as luteal support on pregnancy outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: an RCT.

BACKGROUND: There is no doubt that luteal phase support is essential to enhance the reproductive outcome in IVF cycles. In addition to progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin, several studies have described GnRH agonists as luteal phase support to improve implantation rate, pregnancy rate and live birth rate, whereas other studies showed dissimilar conclusions. All of these studies have been done in fresh IVF cycles. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an additional GnRH agonist administered at the time of implantation for luteal phase support in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) improves the embryo developmental potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective controlled trial study in 200 FET cycles, patients were randomized on the day of embryo transfer into group 1 (n=100) to whom a single dose of GnRH agonist (0.1 mg triptorelin) was administered three days after transfer and group 2 (n=100), who did not receive agonist. Both groups received daily vaginal progesterone suppositories plus estradiol valerate 6 mg daily. Primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcome measures were implantation rate, chemical, ongoing pregnancy rate and abortion rate. RESULTS: A total of 200 FET cycles were analyzed. Demographic data and embryo quality were comparable between two groups. No statistically significant difference in clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates was observed between the two groups (26% versus 21%, p=0.40 and 21% versus 17%, p=0.37, respectively). CONCLUSION: Administration of a subcutaneous GnRH agonist at the time of implantation does not increase clinical or ongoing pregnancy.

A comparison of pregnancy rate before and after the administration of HCG in intrauterine insemination.

PURPOSE: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the first treatments of infertility. In natural cycles, women conceive when an intercourse takes place during a 6-day period ending on the day of ovulation. The current practice in IUI cycles is to perform IUI 24-36 h after the HCG administration, when the ovulation already took place. In this study, HCG was administered after IUI, which more closely resembles the fertilization process in natural cycles. The aim of the present study is to compare the fertility rates in an IUI protocol in women who took an HCG injection before and after the IUI. METHODS: This study was conducted on 100 infertile couples who referred to the infertility research center of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. They were divided into two groups: HCG injection before IUI and HCG injection after IUI. The main outcome measure was the result of a ß HCG test that was done two weeks after the IUI; if it was positive, transvaginal sonography would be performed in the seventh week for clinical confirmation of pregnancy. RESULTS: The analysis included 50 cycles with HCG administered before and 50 cycles with HCG administered after the IUI. The pregnancy rates were 10 and 12 % (P = 0.85), respectively. Independent factor affected the cycle outcome was the time of infertility. CONCLUSION: HCG administration after IUI brought about no improvement in the pregnancy rate. Therefore, HCG can be administered either before or after IUI.