The Effect of Endometrial Compaction During the Luteal Phase on Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Compression/thinning of the endometrial thickness with the effect of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is defined as endometrial compaction. This study aimed to show the effect of changes in endometrial thickness in the luteal phase of intrauterine insemination cycles on pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-eight patients who were planned for intrauterine insemination were included in this prospective cohort study. The effect of the change between the patients' endometrial measurements on the day of trigger and the 7th day after intrauterine insemination on pregnancy outcomes were compared. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to endometrial thickness change. Those with an endometrial thickness change of less than 5% were called the no change group (n=18). The groups with endometrial thickness decreasing more than 5% (n=9) and increasing (n=31) formed the other two groups. In addition, the effect of luteal phase support on endometrial compaction was investigated.

RESULTS: The highest pregnancy rate (55.6%) was observed in the group with more than 5% endometrial thinning. It was found to be 16.7% in the group without change and 19.4% in the group with an increased endometrial thickness (p=0.045). endometrial compaction and pregnancy rates were higher in the group given oral dydrogesterone for luteal support compared to those using vaginal micronized progesterone.

CONCLUSION: Endometrial compaction increases clinical pregnancy in intrauterine insemination cycles. Further studies are necessary to confirm the results of this study.