Ovarian stimulation with low-dose human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) is superior to clomiphene citrate in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles with respect to clinical pregnancy rate, but it is unclear whether HMG is also the more cost-effective option. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of ovarian stimulation with low-dose subcutaneously administred HMG (37.5–75 IU per day) to orally administred clomiphene citrate (50 mg/day from day 3–7) in an IUI programme for subfertile couples.
Commissioned by UZ Leuven Fertility Center, we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis using the results of a randomized trial performed in the center, including 620 IUI cycles. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of using HMG versus clomiphene citrate. Results are presented from the healthcare payer perspective.
We collaborated with UZ Leuven for the development of a scientific publication describing the methodology, inputs and results of this cost-effectiveness analysis.
The total cost per patient associated with one IUI treatment with HMG is €764, whereas it is €558 if clomiphene citrate is used, resulting in an incremental cost of €206 for HMG per treatment. The incremental clinical pregnancy rate of using HMG instead of clomiphene citrate, however, is also 5.7 percentage points higher, resulting in an ICER of HMG versus clomiphene citrate of €3615 per additional clinical pregnancy achieved. On average, HMG was found to be more cost-effective than clomiphene citrate.
