Ricerc@Sapienza

In this prospective study we report our experience on the systematic use of rescue intra-uterine insemination (IUI) in case of failed oocyte pick-up (OPU), with no oocyte retrieved, after a mild stimulation in-vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol. In a period of twelve months we analyse predicted normal responders at their first in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) at the Infertility Unit of Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome. In the study period, all consecutive cases of failed OPU after a mild stimulation protocol of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is converted to IUI, where permitting conditions are present: at least one patent tube at either hysterosonosalpingography or hysterosalpingography, normal male semen analysis according to WHO criteria, a maximum of 3 follicles larger than 14 mm at the time of OPU, in order to avoid the risk of higher-order pregnancies, and informed consent of the couple. In the cases of rescue IUI performed the following parameters are evaluated: total dose of hMG administered, peak level of estradiol on the day of hCG trigger, number of follicles larger than 14 mm at the time of hCG trigger, number of biochemical pregnancies, number of clinical pregnancies and number of term pregnancies. The results obtained in the group of patients after rescue IUI is compared to a group of patients who, in the same period, underwent a regularly scheduled IUI.