A randomized study of the effect of 10 minutes of bed rest after intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of 10 minutes of bed rest after intrauterine insemination (IUI) on the pregnancy rate.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S): One hundred sixteen couples with unexplained infertility.

INTERVENTION(S): Patients were prospectively randomized either to immediate mobilization after IUI (group I) or to remain in a supine position for 10 minutes after the procedure (group II).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cumulative pregnancy rate.

RESULT(S): Ninety-five couples were included in the analysis. Group I consisted of 40 couples (90 cycles), and group II consisted of 55 couples (120 cycles). The pregnancy rate per couple in group I (4 of 40 [10%]) was significantly lower than in group II (16 of 55 [29%]). The pregnancy rate per cycle in group I (4.4%) was also lower than in group II (13. 3%). With use of life-table analysis, the cumulative probability of pregnancy in group II was significantly higher than in group I.

CONCLUSION(S): A 10-minute interval of bed rest after IUI has a positive effect on the pregnancy rate. We recommend that mandatory bed rest for 10 minutes after IUI should be adopted into a standard practice.