Effect of postponing hCG injection after intrauterine insemination on pregnancy rate

ObjectiveDuring natural cycles, the best chance to become pregnant is if intercourse occurs up to 6 day window ending on the day of ovulation. However, in the current practice, the insemination is performed 32–36 h after hCG injection when the ovulation is expected. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of postponing hCG injection till after intrauterine insemination with current practice protocol, on pregnancy rate. Design: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Zagazig University hospital.Materials and methodsThis study included one hundred infertile couples with unexplained infertility that had been scheduled for artificial insemination by husband semen. Women were divided into two groups: the study group, including fifty women in whom hCG was injected 3–5 min after IUI (hCG after IUI) and the control group, including fifty women in whom hCG was injected 24–32 h before IUI (hCG before IUI). Pregnancy test was done 2 weeks after insemination.ResultsThe overall pregnancy rate in this study, following IUI was 9%. The pregnancy rate was 10% “5/50” in the study group (hCG after IUI), versus 8% “4/50” in the control group (hCG before IUI). However, this difference is not statistically significant.ConclusionThere is no difference in pregnancy rate between HCG injection immediately following IUI and standard hCG injection 24–32 h before IUI.