Study of relationship of sperm parameters with successful IUI in Fatemeh Zahra Infertility Center in Babol

ABSTRACT

Intrauterine insemination [IUI] after ovulation induction is one of the infertility treatment methods that is used before more invasive assisted reproductive techniques [ART] because of its simplicity and low expenditures. This procedure is performed in different kinds of sub-fertility such as those related to male factors, cervical factors and unexplained infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of sperm parameters with IUI success. In this cross sectional descriptive analytical study, 223 infertile couples who had undergone 413 IUI cycles were studied. Sampling method was census and based on available medical records of the patients in 2004. Number of IUI cycle and sperm parameters of the patients were reviewed. Semen analysis was done on the basis of NAFA-ESHRE guide manual [2001]; data were collected and then analyzed statistically by means of X[2], T and Fisher exact tests. p<0.05 was considered significant. Pregnancy rate was 7.7% for every IUI cycle and 14.3% for every couple. Those who had progressive sperm [grade 3 and 4] in their first semen analysis, had more pregnancy rate [19.8% vs. 8.9%] [p=0.016]. Those with 15% and more morphologically normal sperm had higher pregnancy rate [18.3%], but, in other subjects with less than 15%, the pregnancy rate declined to 9.8% [p=0.143]. In the study of sperm count after washing, the pregnancy rate in the wives of the men with total sperm count of more than 20 million was 16%, while total sperm count of less than 20 million, led to a pregnancy rate of 3.4% [p=0.054]. According to our study the existence of progressive sperms [grade 3 and 4] in semen analysis before washing, is one of the most important factors in prediction of IUI success