15 and 30 min of immobilization after IUI: a randomized control trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence for better guidance related to bed rest after intrauterine insemination (IUI). We conducted a randomized trial to compare the effect of 15 min versus 30 min of bed rest after IUI on pregnancy rate. A total of 204 couples were recruited from May 2021 to December 2021 and randomized to remain in the supine position for either 15 or 30 min after the procedure. The outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate and comfort level after IUI. Ultimately, 198 couples were included in the analysis. The 15-min immobilization group consisted of 100 couples (226 cycles), and the 30-min immobilization group consisted of 98 couples (225 cycles). The clinical pregnancy rate per couple in the 15-min immobilization group (26 of 100) was not different from that in the 30-min immobilization group (23 of 98). With the use of discrete-time survival analysis, the cumulative probability of clinical pregnancy also showed no difference between these two groups. Based on the literature and on our study, the possible beneficial effect of 30-min immobilization after IUI is at least questionable, and a shorter time could be implemented depending on the results of a systematic review and the individual patient data from the currently executed trials.

Keywords:

• Intrauterine insemination
• immobilization
• Bed rest
• pregnancy rate
• supine position
• infertility

Acknowledgment

We are grateful to the experts and staff at Suzhou municipal hospital for their assistance and guidance. We also thank the participants, who gave their time voluntarily.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Research Project of Suzhou Municipal Science Foundation of China [Foundation Number: SYSD2020136].