Effect of ejaculatory abstinence period on sperm DNA fragmentation and pregnancy outcome of intrauterine insemination cycles: A prospective randomized study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the ejaculatory abstinence period on sperm DNA fragmentation and pregnancy rates in IUI cycles. Methods: One hundred and twenty couples with unexplained infertility were prospectively randomized into two groups on the second day of their cycle. In group A, patients had 1-day ejaculatory abstinence period; in group B patients had 3-day ejaculatory abstinence period. Each patient was stimulated with gonadotropins, and IUI was performed. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy and sperm DNA fragmentation rate. Results: The pregnancy rate was 17.3% and 18.5% in group A and group B, respectively. No significant difference was found among the groups (p = 0.803). The sperm DNA fragmentation rate for group A (20.71 ± 11.01) and group B (23.78 ± 12.64) were almost similar (p = 0.187). The sperm DNA fragmentation rate was 24.89 ± 12.89 in pregnant couples and 21.71 ± 11.69 in non-pregnant couples (p = 0.288). Conclusion: Even after a short abstinence period of 1 day, compared to the standard abstinence period of 3 days, pregnancy rates are similar among unexplained infertility couples undergoing ovarian stimulation and IUI. ClinicalTrials: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with ID NCT04361292. Date of registration: 27 April 2020. The study was registered retrospectively. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.