Single versus double intrauterine insemination to assess the relevance of double intrauterine insemination: a prospective, randomized multicentric study

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a widely used tool as initial treatment option for infertile couples. Being a non-invasive, outpatient department (OPD) based procedure it serves as first modality of assisted reproductive technique. Overtime various modifications in stimulation protocol, sperm preparation techniques and variation in timing has been attempted to improve upon the success rates.Methods: We conducted a multicentric, prospective randomized study and assessment of data of double IUI at three tertiary care centers of armed forces. The data was evaluated to study the patient parameters and various factors affecting the success rate of IUI.Results: We found that duration of infertility, age of couple and body mass index (BMI) are inversely related to success of IUI cycles. Double IUI increases the success rate in borderline male factor infertility, ladies with normal BMI and in cases of secondary infertility with previous live issue. In donor IUI cycles there is a positive correlation with sperm parameters and benefit from double insemination.Conclusions: Double IUI can be offered to selected couples to improve upon the success rate of IUI cycle.