Does luteal Phase Support with Vaginal Micronized Progesterone Effect on Pregnancy Rates in Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Cycles in Two Infertility Center During Six-Year Follow-up?

Abstract

Introduction: Husband artificial intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a standard method of assisted reproduction for patients with mild male infertility, anovulation, endometriosis, and unknown infertility. In this study, we evaluated the effect of luteal phase support on the success rate of IUI cycles with vaginal micronized progesterone compared to the control. Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 94 infertile women referring to two infertility centers in Sari, Iran, from 2015 to 2021. In these women, Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole was used, follicular monitoring continued, and human Gonadotropin was added based on ultra-sonographic findings. Intramuscular HCG was added when one or two follicles were to 17 mm. IUI was done 36 hours later, and micronized vaginal progesterone 400mg once daily was added on the day after insemination (n=114). IUI outcomes were evaluated with a serum Beta-HCG test and vaginal ultrasound two and five weeks later. Pregnant women were followed up until the end of the pregnancy. Data were analyzed with SPSS25 and STATA14 software. Results: Progesterone consumption had no significant relationship with pregnancy rates but a significant correlation with the number of antral follicles. Pregnancy occurrence was significantly associated with patient satisfaction, FSH, and AMH levels but not correlated with the duration and kinds of infertility. Conclusion: Vaginal micronized progesterone as luteal phase support is not effective in increasing pregnancy occurrences in IUI cycles like IVF cycles, but patients’ satisfaction may be increased among women impregnated undergoing IUI and progesterone support.