Influence of smoking on outcome of COH and IUI in subfertile couples

Aim To evaluate the influence of smoking on the outcome of COH and IUI in subfertile couples. Patients and methods We reviewed the medical files of all consecutive women, age <= 35 years, attending our infertility clinics over an eigth-year period. Data on patient age, smoking habits, and variable related to infertility-treatment were collected from the files. Results A total of 2,318 cases were evaluated: 1,803 in nonsmoking patients (n=679) and 515 in smokers (n=206). The smokers used significantly more gonadotropin ampoules and gained a thinner endometrium on the day of hCG administration than the nonsmokers (p<0.016 for both). There were no between-groups differences in patient age, duration of gonadotropin stimulation, number of follicle >14 mm in diameter, or E2 levels on the day of hCG administration. Conclusion Smokers undergoing COH with IUI required a significantly higher gonadotropin dosage than nonsmokers in order to achieved a comparable pregnancy rate.