Higher Pregnancy Rates Following Treatment of Cervical Factor with Intrauterine Insemination Without Superovulation Versus Intercourse: The Importance of a Well-Timed Postcoital Test for Infertility

Abstract

A randomized study comparing the efficacy of timed intrauterine insemination (IUI) without hyper-stimulation to sexual intercourse was performed in women with cervical factor infertility. Among the strict requirements for inclusion in the study were a normal semen analysis in the male partner, as well as the failure to demonstrate any sperm with progressive forward motion in a postcoital test performed 8–12 h after intercourse at the time of a mature follicle. All other infertility factors were negative. The data demonstrated a statistically significant fecundity rate at 1 month when IUI was compared to intercourse (21.2 vs. 3.9%). These data suggest that carefully timed IUI in nonhyperstimulated cycles is an effective treatment for cervical factor infertility.

Key Words:

• sperm
• insemination
• hyperstimulation
• male infertility
• intercourse
• postcoital test