Impact of Semen Characteristics on the Success of Intrauterine Insemination

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate the influence of sperm characteristics on the outcome of infertility treatment using intrauterine insemination (IUI). Methods : Retrospective study of 431 infertility couples who underwent 1007 IUI treatment cycles from June 1999 to October 2002. Sperm parameters before and after preparation for IUI were evaluated and correlated with pregnancy outcome. Results : Clinical pregnancy occurred in 12% of cycles and 28% of patients. Initial sperm motility and processed forward progression were independently associated with pregnancy after IUI. The mean number of cycles per patient was 4.3. Although pregnancy rate per cycle did not differ from cycle to cycle, the cumulative pregnancy rate approached plateau after five cycles. Conclusions : Sperm motility is an independent factor influencing IUI-related pregnancy. A forward progression score of 3 to 4 in a processed specimen is necessary for IUI success. The number of IUI attempts per patient should be individualized depending upon the needs of patients.

RETRACTED: Effect of sperm morphology and number on success of intrauterine insemination

“…Intrauterine insemination is widely used for treating infertility in couples because it is a simple, inexpensive, and acceptable assisted reproductive technique (1). There are variety of indications for IUI such as poor male factor, cervical hostility, and unexplained infertility.…”

The role of semen parameters in pregnancy of women having intrauterine insemination

“…We found out that morphology itself could predict 68.4% of pregnant cases, +4 volatile sperm rate 69.6% and +3 volatile sperm rate 33.0%. Aligned with our study, Zhao et al [17] also reported in their study that sperm motility in the initial sperm sample was an independent factor that could affect pregnancy with IUI. They emphasized the importance of the existence of +3 and +4 motile sperm in the washed semen for the success of IUI.…”

Computer-based tracking of single sperm

“…In fertility studies, the 1 to 5 ͑slowest-to-fastest͒ speed of progression ͑SOP͒ score is often used to characterize overall motility of a semen sample and to assess sperm quality. 1 This kind of scoring system is subjective and can be replaced by a quantitative measure based on objective computer scoring system.…”