Evaluation of whether using hCG to stimulate oocyte release helps or decreases pregnancy rates following intrauterine insemination.

The study's objective was to determine if using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a timing method for intrauterine insemination (IUI) in patients who make mature follicles but have cervical factor problems has a negative effect on pregnancy rates (PRs) (possibly by releasing an immature oocyte), or increases the rate of luteinized unruptured follicles (LUF). Patients were offered hCG or natural release after an explanation of the theoretical advantages and disadvantages. Intrauterine insemination was performed 36-40 h after hCG; timing of IUI with hCG was based on day of luteinizing hormone (LH) surge modified by serum progesterone (P). Incidence of LUF in those taking hCG-5/116 (4.3%); 0/33 without hCG. Pregnancies-24/116 (20%) with hCG; 3/30 (10%) without hCG. No statistical differences in these rates were found. Thus, using hCG for more convenient timing for IUI in nonsuperovulated cycles does not decrease the PR or cause a high incidence of LUF.