IUI vs IVF for first line treatment of unexplained infertility - A RCT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Controlled ovarian stimulation and intra-uterine insemination (COH + IUI)vs in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for the first line treatment of unexplained infertility. A randomised controlled trial.
IRAS ID
117596
Contact name
Anupa Nandi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D
Research summary
Unexplained infertility comprises about 15% - 20% of infertile couple. The therapeutic options that have been applied include expectant management, controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) with clomiphene citrate, aromatase inhibitors or gonadotrophins, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or COH with IUI.Some investigators have concluded that proceeding directly to IVF and Embryo Transfer would be more efficient approach. The recent NICE guideline proposes to offer IVF as first line management to these couples after 2 years of expectant management. Howeever the evidence on which this recommendation has been made is very poor.No RCT has been performed to examine the efficiency of IUI vs IVF as the first line treatment for unexplained infertility. We aim to perform the first RCT to compare COH + IUI vs IVF as the first line approach for unexplained infertility.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0550
Date of REC Opinion
28 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion