Conversion from assisted reproductive technology to intrauterine insemination in low responders: Is it advantageous?

<bold>Objective: </bold>To examine cycle outcomes among patients demonstrating an attenuated ovarian response that proceeded to oocyte retrieval to those converted to intrauterine insemination (IUI).<bold>Design: </bold>Retrospective cohort study.<bold>Setting: </bold>Large private fertility center.<bold>Patient(s): </bold>First planned autologous assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles among women demonstrating a poor ovarian response to hyperstimulation (≤4 follicles≥14 mm, peak E2<1,000 IU/L at hCG administration).<bold>Intervention(s): </bold>Oocyte retrieval or IUI conversion.<bold>Main Outcome Measure(s): </bold>Live birth and clinical pregnancy.<bold>Result(s): </bold>A total of 269 IUI conversions and 167 oocyte retrievals followed a poor ovarian response to gonadotropins among first planned ART cycles. Number of follicles≥14 mm (2.3 vs. 3.5) and peak E2 levels (555 vs. 743 pg/mL) were lower for IUI conversions compared with those proceeding to ART. Peak E2 was similar between groups after adjusting for follicle number (IUI: 611 pg/mL; ART: 652 pg/mL). Stimulation response was similar between treatment groups with equivalent follicle numbers. Undergoing oocyte retrieval was associated with significantly improved pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-7.4) and live birth outcome (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-8.0) after adjusting for age and follicle number.<bold>Conclusion(s): </bold>Among women demonstrating a poor ovarian response to gonadotropins, proceeding with planned ART resulted in significantly higher pregnancy rates than converting these cycles to IUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]