Intrauterine insemination with husband's semen as alternative to other assisted reproduction techniques

The objectives of this study was to assess the efficacy and clarify how many intrauterine insemination cycles can justifiably be proposed, in terms of cost and benefits for the patient, as alternative to other assisted reproduction procedures. Two hundred and twenty infertile couples were referred to our centre and six intra-uterine insemination cycles in combination with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were proposed for them. A total of 650 treatment cycles were completed. The indications of intra-uterine insemination were male factor (147 couples), cervical factor (31 couples), male and cervical factor (30 couples) and unexplained infertility (12 couples). Superovulation was induced in 92 patients with human menopausal gonadotrophins, in 90 with clomiphene citrate, in 22 with FSH HP, while in 16 patients the intra-uterine inseminations were carried out during spontaneous cycles. Considering the entire population, a mean monthly pregnancy rate equal to 8.9% was obtained and a cumulative pregnancy rate equal to 39% at the end of six intra-uterine insemination cycles. In particular, in the patients treated with HMG+hCG, a mean monthly pregnancy rate equal to 10.9% and a cumulative pregnancy rate to 46% at the end of the six cycles were obtained. In conclusion, when the indications allow, we believe it is justified to propose six cycles of intra-uterine insemination in combination with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with HMG and hCG. The theoretical probability of success at the end of six cycles has proved comparable and advantageous in terms of cost and risks for the patient, if compared with other assisted reproduction techniques.