DENVER, CO — A new retrospective study conducted by the research team at US Fertility has provided valuable insights into the use of supplemental estrogen during intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, the study includes analysis of over 8,600 IUI cycles for patients undergoing ovulation induction with letrozole or clomiphene. Conducted between January 2017 and December 2023, the resulting dataset is among the largest samples in the field.
“Many physicians have prescribed supplemental estrogen in hopes of improving pregnancy chances for patients with a thin endometrial lining,” shares Carrie Malcom, M.D., Shady Grove Fertility Fellow at the University of South Florida. “While the concept to thicken endometrial lining made sense, our study suggests that this approach may not provide the boost we expected. This research helps refine our understanding and empowers both physicians and patients to make more informed decisions about the role of estrogen in fertility treatment.”
Patients in the study were divided into two groups: those who received supplemental estrogen treatment and those who did not. The results revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of key pregnancy outcomes, including positive pregnancy tests and pregnancies reaching at least 20 weeks gestation. The study focused on patients with a peak endometrial thickness of less than 7mm prior to ovulation, a threshold that has commonly been associated with a reduced chance at a successful pregnancy. However, this research indicates that adding estrogen does not statistically improve pregnancy outcomes.
For fertility patients, this research simplifies the treatment process without compromising results. It also highlights the importance of ongoing research to guide and improve fertility care practices.
Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients.
