Luteal Phase Support in IUI: A Game-Changer for Pregnancy Outcomes?

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the impact of luteal phase support (LPS) with progesterone on pregnancy and live birth rates in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 88 patients who underwent IUI treatment at a tertiary center between 2019 and 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=49) received progesterone for luteal phase support, while Group 2 (n=39) did not receive any luteal support. Clinical, demographic, and biochemical parameters, including age, BMI, infertility duration, and ovarian reserve markers, were compared between the two groups. Treatment outcomes such as pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of demographic characteristics (age, BMI, and infertility duration) or biochemical markers (AMH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone). The pregnancy rate in Group 1 was 14.2%, compared to 12.8% in Group 2 (p=0.640). Live birth rates were also similar between the groups (12.2% in Group 1 vs. 10.2% in Group 2, p=0.510). Treatment parameters, including endometrial thickness and gonadotropin dosage, showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support did not significantly improve pregnancy or live birth rates in IUI patients. These findings suggest that luteal phase support may not be necessary in routine IUI cycles, particularly when standard ovulation induction protocols are followed. Further research is needed to clarify its role in specific patient populations.