The relationship between estradiol-progesterone alterations after ovulation trigger and treatment success in intrauterine insemination cycles

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between the estrogen-progesterone alterations before and after ovulation trigger and treatment success in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred fifty-one women with infertility underwent ovulation induction followed by IUI. For all subjects, estradiol and progesterone concentrations were evaluated on the trigger and IUI day. The results were analyzed to assess the relationship between hormone levels and positive pregnancy test. RESULTS There were 34 women with a positive pregnancy test following controlled ovarian stimulation and IUI cycle. Estradiol and progesterone levels on the trigger day and the day of IUI were compared within groups with and without positive pregnancy tests. The comparison revealed significantly increased levels of progesterone after trigger in both groups; however, although there were estradiol level drops in both groups, the drop in the group with negative pregnancy tests was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Significant drops in estradiol concentrations after ovulation trigger are associated with IUI cycle treatment failure.