Effect of Nimodipine on Premature Luteinizing Hormone Surge in Women Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination

To determine the effect of nimodipine on premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). Patients and

Fifty-six infertile women participated in this randomized clinical trial after referring to Mahdiyeh hospital, Tehran, Iran and undergoing IUI treatment in 2017. Participants were randomly divided into nimodipine (n=34) and placebo (n=22) groups. The demographic and clinical profile of women were collected using a predesigned checklist. In the nimodipine group, 30 mg tablets were given to patients three times daily for 2 days. Finally, the serum levels of LH and estradiol were measured before and after the intervention.

Based on the results, the LH surge was observed in 8 (34.8%) women in the placebo group (P=0.04) while it was not detected in 29 (78.4%) women in the nimodipine group. There were no statistical differences in the serum levels of estradiol and LH between the 2 groups before the intervention. The serum levels of estradiol in both groups increased after intervention although this increase was not significant. Eventually, no statistical difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of fertility rate.

In general, nimodipine can significantly reduce premature LH surge in patients undergoing IUI compared to the placebo group.