Does Intrauterine Instillation of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (hCG) Before Embryo Transfer (ET) Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in in-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cycles?

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of intrauterine instillation of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) before embryo transfer (ET) on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Materials and Methods: The study was an age and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level-matched case–control study. Total 80 women of age group 25 to 40 years were recruited who were undergoing IVF for mild male factor, tubal factor, or ovulatory dysfunction. Two groups were formed and age matched. Study group (n = 40) received 800 IU of hCG 5 min before ET, whereas control group (n = 40) underwent direct ET without prior instillation of hCG. The pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Result: Primary outcome was implantation rate (IR). IR was significantly higher in study (hCG) group as compared to control group (30.95% vs. 15.29%, P = 0.016). Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Study group had higher pregnancy rate as compared to control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (40% vs. 25%, P = 1.0). Live birth rate was higher in study group but not significant (35.5% vs. 22.5%, P = 0.35). Abortions were comparable in both the groups. Conclusion: Intrauterine hCG before ET significantly improves IR and resulted in better IVF outcomes.