A randomised prospective trial of intrauterine insemination versus timed intercourse in superovulated cycles with clomiphene

Background & objectives: Despite its wide use, the benefits of intrauterine insemination (IUI), its over timed intercourse (TI) in couples with unexplained infertility is a matter of debate. Studies in Indian couples with unexplained infertility showing benefit of IUI over TI are not available. The present study was done with the objective of comparing TI and IUI with husband's sperm in couples with unexplained infertility undergoing superovulation with clomiphene. Methods: A total of 140 couples with unexplained infertility were subjected to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with clomiphene and prospectively randomized to receive either TI (group A) or IUI (group B). Complete follow up was available for 113 couples only. Results: The pregnancy rate and cycle fecundity rate after COH/TI was 41 and 8.8 per cent and after COH/IUI 18 and 3.4 per cent respectively. The difference was statistically not significant. Interpretation & conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that in women with unexplained infertility addition of IUI to ovulation induction does not improve conception rates. COH/TI can help to achieve good results and save the expense and discomfort due to a invasive procedure.