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.