Publication
Title
A multi-center prospective, randomized, double-blind trial studying the effect of misoprostol on the outcome of intrauterine insemination
Author
Abstract
Background: Because seminal prostaglandins play a role at natural fertilization, it was hypothesized that vaginal supplementation of prostaglandins at the time of intrauterine insemination (IUI) might enhance chances of conception. We investigated the effect of misoprostol, a prostaglandin analogue, on the success rate of IUI. Methods: A multi-center double-blind randomized controlled trial, using a cross-over design with alternating sequence, was designed. Vaginal tablets of misoprostol or placebo were used in conjunction to intrauterine insemination. In total, 199 women, comprising 466 cycles, were analyzed. Main outcome measures were pregnancy rate and prevalence of vaginal bleeding and uterine cramps. Results: The misoprostol group accounted for 146 cycles with 19 pregnancies, whereas the placebo group cycles totaled 164 cycles with 21 pregnancies (13.0 vs. 12.8%, not significant). There was a statistically significant increase in vaginal bleeding (12.3 vs. 1.8%; OR 7.55; 95% CI 2.31-24.48) and abdominal cramping rates (15.1 vs. 4.3%; OR 3.98; 95% CI 1.68-9.39) after application of misoprostol. Due to these severe adverse events the study was prematurely terminated. Conclusion: Although prostaglandins surely play a role in natural human reproduction, vaginal administration of misoprostol at the time of IUI is associated with a high rate of side effects and does not seem to enhance the outcome.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Gynecologic and obstetric investigation. - Basel
Publication
Basel : 2008
ISSN
0378-7346
DOI
10.1159/000133951
Volume/pages
66 :3 (2008) , p. 145-151
ISI
000259351500001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 28.05.2009
Last edited 23.08.2022
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