Natural cycle IVF in unexplained, endometriosis-associated and tubal factor infertility.

BACKGROUND: To elucidate possible differences between unexplained and minimal peritoneal endometriosis-associated infertility, we studied their outcome in natural cycle IVF (NIVF). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out on unexplained (33 couples), minimal peritoneal endometriosis-associated (30 couples) and tubal factor (24 couples) infertility in 223 NIVF cycles, using human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) for ovulation induction. RESULTS: During the first NIVF attempt, follicular and luteal phase oestradiol, FSH, LH and progesterone concentrations, as well as endometrial thickness and follicular diameter were similar among the three groups. Periovulatory follicular growth monitored from day of HCG administration to oocyte aspiration was significantly lowered in unexplained infertility compared with minimal endometriosis-associated and tubal factor infertility. The fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate per initiated cycle, per successful oocyte retrieval and per embryo transfer, in minimal endometriosis (80.0, 10.4, 16.0 and 23.5% respectively) were similar to that in tubal factor infertility patients (68.6, 5.8, 11.4 and 16.0%) but significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the unexplained infertility group (62.2, 2.6, 5.4 and 8.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The significant reduction in follicular periovulatory growth, fertilization and pregnancy rates in unexplained infertility compared with minimal peritoneal endometriosis patients may be explained by sub-optimal follicular development with possibly reduced oocyte quality, intrinsic embryo quality factors or by impaired implantation. From a clinical point of view, NIVF is less suited to unexplained infertility treatment, but might represent an interesting treatment option for minimal peritoneal endometriosis-associated infertility.     

Effect of GnRH antagonists in FSH mildly stimulated intrauterine insemination cycles: a multicentre randomized trial

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of GnRH antagonists in mild controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles is debated. METHODS: Two-hundred and ninety-nine couples with unexplained or mild male factor infertility were enrolled in this international multicentre randomized controlled trial. Women allocated to the GnRH antagonist group (n=148) received 50 IU recombinant FSH starting on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and Ganirelix 0.25 mg daily starting from the day in which a follicle with a mean diameter of 13-14 mm was visualized at ultrasound. Women allocated to the control group (n=151) were administered only 50 IU recombinant FSH starting on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. Couples were recruited only for their first treatment cycle. The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate per initiated cycle. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the two treatment groups were similar. Clinical pregnancy rates per initiated cycle in women who did and did not receive GnRH antagonists were 12.2 and 12.6%, respectively (P=1.00). The relative risk of conception (95% confidence interval) for the use of GnRH antagonists was 1.0 (0.5-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: In mild COH and IUI cycles, any benefit of the use of GnRH antagonists in improving pregnancy rates is <2-fold increase.     

A new rapid and effective method for treatment of unexplained infertility

BACKGROUND: Artificial insemination (intrauterine insemination by husbandor artificial insemination by husband) is often tried as firsttreatment for couples with unexplained infertility. Pertubationhas previously proved to increase the chance of achieving pregnancyfor these couples. The effect of pertubation on fertility canbe mechanical as well as anti-inflammatory by using a substancethat inhibits phagocytosis of the spermatozoa. The objectiveof the study was to investigate the effect on pregnancy rateof pre-ovulatory pertubation with low-dose lignocaine duringclomiphene citrate and insemination cycles for couples withunexplained infertility. METHODS: In a prospective, open study, the patients were randomized,the day before ovulation, during a clomiphene citrate stimulatedcycle to either pertubation with low-dose local anaestheticor no pertubation before insemination. RESULTS: A total of 130 cycles were studied, 67 of which were randomizedto pre-ovulatory pertubation and 63 to no pertubation treatment.There were 14.9% (n = 10) clinical pregnancies in the pertubatedgroup compared with 3.2% (n = 2) in the group without pre-ovulatorypertubation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pertubation treatment significantly enhanced the clinicalpregnancy rate and was well tolerated. No complications werenoted. The combined treatment of clomiphene citrate, pertubationand insemination can be used as a cost-effective, first-linetreatment for couples with unexplained infertility.     

Comparison of luteal phase profile in gonadotrophin stimulated cycles with or without a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to explore luteal phase hormone profiles in gonadotrophin-stimulated cycles with or without gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist therapy during intrauterine insemination (IUI). Forty-one infertile couples were recruited in this randomized clinical study. METHODS: The 19 patients included in group A were treated for 21 cycles with recombinant FSH 150 IU/day starting from day 3 of the cycle and with the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix at the dose of 0.25 mg/day starting from the day in which a follicle with a mean diameter of > or =14 mm was seen at ultrasound scan. Cetrorelix was administered until human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. The 22 patients included in group B were administered recombinant FSH alone at the same dosage for 27 cycles. RESULTS: The two treatment groups showed a similar increase in progesterone concentration during the luteal phase. In the mid-luteal phase (day 6 after HCG), oestradiol concentrations in group B were significantly higher compared with group A (P < 0.05) but the oestradiol:progesterone ratio was similar in the two groups. Serum LH was completely suppressed during the follicular phase only in group A, concomitantly with GnRH antagonist administration. A total of six pregnancies, all ongoing, were achieved (14.3% per patient and 12.2% per cycle), equally distributed in group A and in group B. CONCLUSION: GnRH antagonists can be safely administered in gonadotrophin-stimulated IUI cycles without luteal phase supplementation because no deleterious effects of GnRH antagonist administration were noted on luteal progesterone concentration or on the duration of the luteal phase.     

Fallopian tube sperm perfusion (FSP) versus intra-uterine insemination (IUI) in the treatment of unexplained infertility: a prospective randomized study

Prospective randomization of 60 couples with unexplained infertilitywas performed for treatment either with intrauterine insemination(IUI), using a volume of 0.5 ml of the inseminate, or Fallopiantube sperm perfusion (FSP), using a volume of 4 ml of inseminate.The protocols for ovarian stimulation and induction of ovulationwere the same in the two groups. The two groups were similarconcerning age of the female at the start of treatment and thenumber of follicles > 15 mm diameter, the serum oestradiolconcentrations and the endometrial thickness on the day of humanchorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration. The mean (±SD)number of motile spermatozoa inseminated was significantly higherin the FSP group than in the IUI group (52 ± 5 x 10⁶and 28 ± 3 x 10⁶ respectively). In the FSP group, 30women were given a total of 52 treatment cycles; 14 clinicalpregnancies occurred in this group, giving a pregnancy rateof 26.9% per cycle and 46.7% per woman. In the IUI group, 28women were given a total of 51 treatment cycles; five clinicalpregnancies occurred, giving a pregnancy rate of 9.8% per cycleand 17.9% per woman. The pregnancy rates per cycle and per womanin the FSP group were significantly higher than in the IUI group(P < 0.05, chi-square test). This study indicates that inthe treatment of couples with unexplained infertility, Fallopiantube sperm perfusion (FSP) is more successful than intra-uterineinsemination (IUI).     

GnRH antagonists and mild ovarian stimulation for intrauterine insemination: a randomized study comparing different gonadotrophin dosages

BACKGROUND: The precise role of GnRH antagonists in the armamentarium of drugs for stimulation of ovulation associated with intrauterine insemination remains to be clarified. In this study, we have compared two different protocols employing GnRH antagonists in order to determine the lower effective dose of gonadotrophins to use. METHODS: Sixty-six couples with unexplained infertility or moderate male subfertility were recruited. Starting on day 3 of the cycle, 32 patients were randomized to receive 50 IU of recombinant FSH per day, whereas 34 were treated with 50 IU of recombinant FSH on alternate days. Women received the GnRH antagonist Ganirelix at a dose of 0.25 mg per day starting on the day in which a leading follicle > or =14 mm in mean diameter was visualized, until HCG administration. Insemination was performed 34 h after HCG injection. RESULTS: The regimen with daily recombinant FSH was associated with a lower rate of mono-ovulation (53.3% versus 78.8%, P=0.06) but also with a higher clinical pregnancy rate per initiated cycle (34.4% versus 5.9%, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A protocol of recombinant FSH 50 IU daily and GnRH antagonist may represent an effective and safe regimen for ovulation induction associated with intrauterine insemination.     

Endocrinology: A randomized prospective study of gonadotrophin with or without gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist for treatment of unexplained infertility

The use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) incombination with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) for ovulationinduction has been advocated for the treatment, particularlyby in-vitro fertilization (IVF) of various types of infertility.The present study was designed to compare the clinical efficacyof HMG alone with a short protocol of GnRHa/HMG for treatmentof unexplained infertility. A total of 91 couples with unexplainedinfertility were randomly assigned to one of two treatments;either HMG with intra-uterine insemination (IUI) (45 patients,62 cycles) or GnRHa/HMG with IUI (46 patients, 69 cycles) treatments.Progesterone concentrations on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin(HCG) administration were significantly higher in HMG (1.5 ±0.9 ng/ml) versus GnRHa/HMG (0.8 ± 0.6 ng/ml; P <0.05)cycles. Furthermore, GnRHa suppressed the occurrences ofpremature luteinization (GnRHa/HMG 5.8% and HMG 24.2% respectively).However, there were no significant differences in HMG dose requirements,plasma oestradiol concentrations or follicular development onthe day of HCG administration between the two groups. Nor wereany significant differences found in the pregnancy rates betweenthe two treatment protocols (GnRHa/HMG 13.0% and HMG 11.3% respectively).Our results suggest no beneficial effect of GnRHa/HMG comparedto HMG alone for the treatment of unexplained infertility, basedon pregnancy rates.     

Evaluation of intrauterine insemination with washed spermatozoa from the husband in the treatment of infertility.

In this study, we examined the efficacy of intrauterine insemination with washed spermatozoa from the husband (AIH/IUI) in the treatment of infertility. A total of 127 treatment cycles were completed (1.95 cycles per patient). The indications for AIH/IUI were male subfertility (group I: 53 couples), cervical factor (group II: four couples), male and cervical factor (group III: six couples) and unexplained infertility (group IV: two couples). Sperm washing caused a reduction of the sperm concentration from 52 x 10(6)/ml to 44 x 10(6)/ml (P less than 0.08) and motility from 49% to 45% (P less than 0.03). Twelve pregnancies were achieved (18.5% per couple and 9.5% per cycle): eight pregnancies in group I (15.1%), one in group II (25%) and three in group III (50%). Of the 12 pregnancies, eight occurred in the first insemination cycle, three in the second and one in the third (1.4 cycles/pregnancy). Sperm motility was significantly higher in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant group (65.5% versus 46.4%, respectively; P less than 0.004), whereas no significant difference was observed in the sperm concentration between these two groups (39 x 10(6)/ml and 54 x 10(6)/ml, respectively). In conclusion, AIH/IUI is a technically easy and non-invasive procedure which offers a satisfactory pregnancy rate in selected couples with male subfertility and/or cervical factor infertility.     

Cancer and male infertility: Gamete intra-Fallopian transfer or in-vitro fertilization after failed ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination in unexplained infertility?

A prospective randomized study was designed to compare gameteintra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF)and embryo transfer in the treatment of couples who have failedto conceive after at least three cycles of ovarian stimulationand intrauterine insemination (IUI). A total of 69 couples withprimary unexplained infertility of at least 2 years' durationplus at least three failed cycles of ovarian stimulation andIUI were randomly allocated to either GIFT or IVF/embryo transfer.The clinical pregnancy rate was 34% after GIFT treatment and50% after IVF/embryo transfer. This difference was not statisticallysignificant. The twin rate in the IVF/embryo transfer groupwas higher than in the GIFT group (53 versus 17%, P = 0.005).We conclude that patients with unexplained infertility and failedovarian stimulation and IUI can still achieve encouraging pregnancyrates with IVF/embryo transfer or GIFT. Since IVF/embryo transferis the least invasive of the two procedures and may yield diagnosticinformation, we would favour this therapy; however, the numberof embryos transferred should be reduced to two to reduce therisk of twin pregnancy.     

A randomized clinical trial of clomiphene citrate versus low dose recombinant FSH for ovarian hyperstimulation in intrauterine insemination cycles for unexplained and male subfertility

BACKGROUND: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a widely accepted treatment for unexplained and male subfertility. No consensus exists about the drug of first choice to be used as hyperstimulation. This randomized multicentre trial using a parallel design compares the efficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) with that of recombinant FSH (rFSH). METHODS: Couples with primary unexplained or male subfertility were randomized to receive CC or rFSH for ovarian hyperstimulation. The treatment was continued for up to four cycles unless pregnancy occurred. Cycles with more than three follicles were cancelled. Cumulative pregnancy rates and live birth rates were primary outcomes. Cancellation during treatment and multiple birth rates are secondary outcomes. Results were analysed following the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Seventy couples with male subfertility and 68 couples with unexplained subfertility were included. Seventy-one women received CC, and 67 received rFSH. Twenty-seven pregnancies were observed in the CC group (38%) and 23 in the rFSH group (34.3%) relative risk (RR) 1.11 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.71-1.73]. The live birth rate was 28.2% (20/71) and 26.9% (18/67) for CC and rFSH, respectively, RR 1.05 (95% CI 0.61-1.80). Overall, the live birth rates per cycle were 10% for CC-stimulated and 8.7% for rFSH stimulated cycles. The total multiple pregnancy rate was 6.0%. Thirty-five cycles (8.6%) were cancelled because of four or more follicles (CC, n = 17; rFSH, n = 18). CONCLUSIONS: In couples with primary unexplained or male subfertility participating in an IUI program, ovarian hyperstimulation can be achieved by CC or rFSH. No significant difference in live birth rates between CC and rFSH was observed. Being less expensive, CC seems the more cost-effective drug and therefore, can be offered as drug of first choice.     

Fallopian tube sperm perfusion used in a donor insemination programme.

Ninety-six couples were enrolled in a programme of Fallopian tube sperm perfusion (FSP). FSP is a method combining ovarian stimulation, ovulation induction and intra-uterine insemination with a 4 ml volume of sperm suspension. Frozen/thawed donor semen was used in all cycles. A total of 196 treatment cycles were started and of these 172 were completed. Twenty cycles were cancelled because of maturation of too many follicles, a low ovarian response, or formation of ovarian cysts. Five of the women enrolled in the programme did not have any inseminations. Forty-eight pregnancies occurred (27.9% per cycle) among 45 women (49.5%). There were five spontaneous abortions and one ectopic pregnancy. Sixteen pregnancies are on-going (greater than 12 weeks) and 26 women have delivered (including two sets of triplets and one set of twins). The pregnancy rate declined from the first attempt (34.1%) to the fourth attempt (14.3%). The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in women with three to five mature follicles compared to women with two or fewer mature follicles (P less than 0.05). Cycles in which human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was administered on day 11 or later had a higher pregnancy rate than cycles where HCG was administered on day 10 (P less than 0.01). There was no difference in pregnancy rates between insemination with 8-10 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa and insemination with greater than 30 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa. FSP used in a programme of artificial insemination by donor using frozen/thawed donor semen is relatively simple to perform and gives a high pregnancy rate per cycle.     

不同促排卵方案联合宫腔内人工授精疗效分析

目的比较不同促排卵方案联合宫腔内人工授精（intrauterine insemination,IUI）治疗不孕症的疗效。方法对204例不孕症患者371个周期行IUI治疗,随机分为4组：自然周期（natural cycle,NC）组共102个周期,克罗米酚（Clomiphene,CC）组98个周期,人绝经期促性腺激素（human menopausal gonadotropin,HMG）/人绒毛膜促性腺激素（human chorionic gonadotropin,HCG）（HMG/HCG）组120个周期,CC/HMG/HCG组51个周期,比较不同促排卵方案的治疗效果。结果CC/HMG/HCG组（19.6%）与HMG/HCG组（20.0%）的周期妊娠率显著高于NC组（6.9%）及CC组（8.2%）（P〈0.01）。CC/HIMG/HCG组的HMG用药量和用药天数显著小于HMG/HCG组（P〈0.05）。结论CC/HMG/HCG和HMG/HCG促排卵联合IUI均能提高IUI治疗不孕症的妊娠率,CC/HMG/HCG促排卵药费支出少,更具有优势。     

A randomized trial between GIFT and ovarian stimulation for the treatment of unexplained infertility and failed artificial insemination by donor.

This study was designed to investigate the surplus effect of gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) over ovarian stimulation alone, in patients with unexplained infertility. A total of 50 patients with unexplained infertility of at least 3 years duration, or unexplained failure of artificial insemination by donor (AID) for at least 12 cycles, meeting strict inclusion criteria, were randomly selected for either two GIFT cycles or two ovarian stimulation cycles. Ovarian stimulation was combined with timed intercourse, or timed cervical donor insemination. In 38 completed GIFT cycles, five clinical pregnancies (13.2% per cycle) occurred and in 44 ovarian stimulation cycles four clinical pregnancies occurred (9.1% per cycle). Five remaining GIFT cycles were converted into in-vitro fertilization leading to two pregnancies. Of the 50 patients suffering from unexplained infertility, the 23 who did not have AID gave rise to four pregnancies out of 39 cycles (10.3%); from the remaining 27 patients who underwent AID, seven pregnancies were achieved out of 48 cycles (14.6%). No statistical differences between GIFT and ovarian stimulation treatment were found. Therefore, the GIFT success rates can be explained at least in part, if not fully, by the effect of ovarian stimulation alone. Consequently, ovarian stimulation should be considered in unexplained infertility before more elaborate forms of assisted reproduction are used.     

Stimulated intra-uterine insemination is not a natural choice for the treatment of unexplained subfertility. Current best evidence for the advanced treatment of unexplained subfertility

When conventional treatment of unexplained infertility has not been successful, the next choice lies between either gonadotrophin treatment with intrauterine insemination (FSH/IUI) and IVF. Cohort studies indicate that FSH/IUI is less effective while the cost per birth is higher with IVF. The relevant evidence should come from randomized controlled trials, but the results need to be recalculated for the outcome of greatest interest, a singleton live birth. Judged by this standard, FSH/IUI is statistically superior to no treatment, but the effect is small in couples with unexplained infertility. By the same standard, IVF is superior to FSH/IUI treatment, but this benefit is achieved only at considerable cost. The evidence is not robust, comprising only a few trials which involve a minute fraction of the existing patients with unexplained infertility. Current best evidence is consistent with a progression from low-tech to high-tech treatment, but it is not convincing enough to support a rigid management protocol. A large multicentre factorial trial is needed to evaluate the relative value of existing empiric treatments for unexplained infertility.     

Superovulation and timed intercourse: can it provide a reasonable alternative for those unable to afford assisted conception?

Superovulation was performed prospectively with pure folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) to a group of 224 infertile patientswith ovulatory factor (51), male factor (60), mild/moderateendometriosis (24) and unexplained infertility (72). The aimwas to produce three or four leading follicles in order to compensatefor a ‘deficient’ factor. Ovulation was inducedwith human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and monitoring wasperformed entirely by serial transvaginal ultrasound on alternatecycles up to a maximum of six cycles (1120 treatment cycles)with intervening cycles being used as self-controls (932 restcycles). A further control group of 56 patients was matchedfor age, category and duration of infertility and was only scannedserially (336 control cycles). Seventyfour pregnancies wereachieved and 54 delivered, giving a cumulative pregnancy rateper couple of 33% and a cumulative take home baby rate of 24%per couple after a maximum of six cycles of treatment. Whencompared with the rest or control cycles, treatment was significantlyeffective for ovulatory (P< 0.001), mild/moderate endometriosis(P< 0.01) and unexplained infertility (P< 0.01) but notfor male infertility. Furthermore, pregnancy was five timesmore likely during the first four treatment cycles (P=0.00006,odds ratio=5) at the expense of a significant multiple pregnancyrate (18.9%) and mild/moderate ovarian hyperstimulation rate(12%). We conclude that four cycles of superovulation shouldbe routinely offered to couples on waiting lists for assistedconception or to those unable to afford it, in anovulatory,mild/moderate endometriosis and unexplained infertility. Theseresults need confirmation by a prospective multi-centre randomizedstudy     

子宫内膜微创术及宫腔内人工授精治疗不明原因不孕的疗效观察

目的观察子宫内膜微创术及宫腔内人工授精治疗不明原因不孕患者的疗效。方法选择2008年3月至2009年9月因不明原因不孕在不孕不育门诊就诊的患者108例。所有患者均进行过3次及以上正规宫腔内人工授精未孕。以上患者随机分为研究组47例,对照组61例。研究组于月经周期第8-10天行子宫内膜微创术,用5号刮匙酌情轻微搔刮子宫内膜壁,当周期于卵泡成熟破裂前后行IUI。对照组仅行IUI。结果研究组47例共进行82周期治疗,对照组61例共进行125周期治疗,研究组临床妊娠率20.73%,累积妊娠率36.17%。对照组妊娠率12%,累积妊娠率24.59%。结论子宫内膜微创术联合IUI治疗,可明显提高不明原因不孕患者的妊娠率,无毒副作用,易于操作,值得基层推广应用。     

The clinical efficacy of low-dose step-up follicle stimulating hormone administration for treatment of unexplained infertility

The present study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy of low-dose step-up follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) administration with conventional FSH protocol (FSH was injected daily starting with a dose of 150 IU), both combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI), for the treatment of unexplained infertility. A total of 97 unexplained infertility couples was randomly assigned to one or other of the two treatment groups, either conventional FSH with IUI (48 patients) or low-dose step-up FSH with IUI (49 patients), and only the first treatment cycle was evaluated in each protocol. The difference in pregnancy rates per cycle was not statistically significant between the low-dose FSH group and the conventional group [seven of 49 (14.3%) and seven of 48 (14.6%) respectively]. A significant reduction in the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was observed in the low-dose group (8.3% versus 27.1%, P < 0.05). The incidence of moderate OHSS requiring hospitalization was reduced significantly in the low-dose group (low-dose 0% versus conventional 16.7%, P < 0.01). However, the low-dose protocol did not completely prevent multiple pregnancies. Our results suggest that the low-dose step-up FSH treatment appeared to be useful for the treatment of unexplained infertility because of the high pregnancy rates and the significant decrease in the incidence of OHSS.     

不同病因不孕症宫腔内人工授精1640周期疗效分析

目的分析不同病因不孕症行夫精宫腔内人工授精(AIH/IUI)的疗效。方法对2007年1月-2007年12月在浙江省妇保院生殖中心门诊1244对不孕症实施治疗1640周期,根据不同的病因分析比较统计临床妊娠率。结果每周期的临床妊娠率为11.10%,每例临床妊娠率为14.63%。原发不孕组妊娠率高于继发不孕妊娠率(18.4%对9.7%),管性因素不孕组临床妊娠率(4.4%)显著低于不明原因(25.08%)、排卵障碍(18.48%)、男性因素(12.59%)和子宫内膜异位症组(12.62%)(P0.01),后四组妊娠率差异无显著性但以不明原因组最高。女方年龄影响妊娠率。结论夫精宫腔内人工授精(AIH/IUI)治疗非输卵管因素引起不孕疗效甚佳。     

Homologous intra-uterine insemination has no advantage over timed natural intercourse when used in combination with ovulation induction for the treatment of unexplained infertility

The objective was to evaluate the role of homologous intra-uterineinsemination compared with timed natural intercourse, both combinedwith ovulation induction, in the management of unexplained infertility.A total of 48 couples presenting at a large teaching hospitalinfertility clinic with unexplained infertility of at least3 years duration comprised the main study group, and 36 coupleswith identical entry criteria but under the care of anotherclinician made up a parallel control group. A randomized designof treatment cycles with within-group and between-group controlswas used. Couples in the main study group were treated witheither homologous intra-uterine insemination or timed naturalintercourse in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue down-regulatedcycles, in which ovulation was induced with human menopausalgonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin. Alternate cycleswere monitored to enable optimum timing of natural intercourseprovided within-group controls. Couples in the control groupunderwent timed homologous intravaginal artificial insemination.Cycle fecundity and pregnancy outcome in treated and controlgroups were monitored. Cycle fecundity of 0.11 in 85 ovulation-inducedcycles was significantly higher than 0.02 in 62 within-groupand 0.01 in 103 between-group control cycles. There was no differencein conception rates between homologous intra-uterine inseminationand timed natural intercourse cycles with ovulation induction.Of the 11 established pregnancies in the ovulation induced group,nine delivered healthy babies (five singleton, three twin, onetriplet) and two were ectopic. Results confirmed the value ofactive management for couples with long-standing unexplainedinfertility but failed to demonstrate any advantage of homologousintra-uterine insemination over ovulation induction alone.     

Achievement of second parenthood in an ART programme using frozen donor semen: cohort follow-up

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of a programme using frozen donor semen in a cohort of patients returning for treatment after previously conceiving through donor insemination (DI). METHODS: The cohort included 222 couples with secondary infertility (previous live birth) in one University Hospital Centre. The treatment sequence involved DI cycles until completion. Live births, drop-out for personal or medical reasons and recourse to IVF with donor semen (IVF-D) were recorded for all patients. Live births were expressed as both rate per cycle and crude cumulative rate. RESULTS: At the end of the DI cycles, 65% of couples in the cohort achieved second parenthood. Most of them (77%) succeeded after only four DI cycles. The majority of couples who stopped treatment did so for personal reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Patients involved in a second parenthood project belong to a 'selected' population. Management and counselling of such patients need to reconcile the early efficacy of DI cycles, the invasiveness of the IVF-D procedure and the availability of donor semen.