The Time Interval between Insemination and Ovulation as Given by Ultrasound Predicts Live Birth Rate After Intrauterine Insemination with Donor Sperm (IUI-D)

Abstract

Background: A proper interval from insemination to ovulation (I-O interval) may increase the chance of pregnancy. Due to lack of studies for I-O interval in IUI-D cycles, we aimed to determine whether short I-O interval would contribute to better IUI-D outcomes.Methods: One thousand and one hundred sixty-five couples for 209 IUI-D cycles from a single public medical center participated in this retrospective analytical study. The data were collected from the medical records of couples. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the effects of these variables on IUI outcome. Stepwise multivariate logistic analysis was used to construct a predictive model for the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in independent samples.Results: The I-O interval was the predictor for LBR. An I-O interval ≥19 hours significantly decreased CPR (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.285, 0.171-0.475) and LBR (OR, 95%CI =0.322, 0.189-0.549). The presence of at least two follicles ≥18mm on ovulation day significantly increased the LBR (OR, 95%CI =1.274, 1.012-1.602). Women aged 35 years and older had a significant decreased LBR (OR, 95% CI =0.607, 0.377-0.976).Conclusion(s): The I-O interval, a new prognostic factor, combination with the women’s age and number of dominant follicles, can predict the outcome after IUI-D. IUI-D is best performed within 19 hours of I-O interval for a higher probability of clinical pregnancy and live birth.