The Predictive Effect of Hormone Levels on Pregnancy Outcomes on the Day of Intrauterine Insemination and hCG Administration

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is commonly used to treat unexplained infertility. Hormonal markers, especially estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P), are crucial in predicting endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes. This study investigates the predictive value of E2 and P levels measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and IUI.
METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 81 women aged 18–38 who underwent IUI for unexplained infertility between 2018 and 2020. Serum E2 and P levels were assessed on hCG and IUI days. Pregnancy outcomes were compared using t-tests and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) via SPSS 25.0.
RESULTS: Out of 81 participants, 11 achieved pregnancy (13.5%). Pregnant women had significantly higher E2 levels on hCG (472.3 ± 291.3 vs. 398.6 ± 277.2 pg/mL, p = 0.018) and IUI days (425.3 ± 269.1 vs. 371.2 ± 275.8 pg/mL, p = 0.033). P levels were also higher in this group on both days (hCG: 1.43 ± 1.62 vs. 0.74 ± 1.29 ng/mL, p = 0.001; IUI: 2.48 ± 1.92 vs. 2.31 ± 2.12 ng/mL, p = 0.024). Lower IUI-to-hCG hormone ratios were noted in the pregnant group (E2: 0.90 vs. 0.93, p = 0.045; P: 1.7 vs. 3.1, p = 0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Elevated E2 and P levels on hCG and IUI days are associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. Hormonal monitoring may enhance IUI success and guide personalized infertility treatments.

Keywords: Intrauterine insemination, Infertility, Estradiol, Progesterone