Effect of total motile sperm count in intra-uterine insemination on ongoing pregnancy rate

In a descriptive retrospective cohort study, we determined the cumulative pregnancy rate for couples undergoing intra-uterine insemination (IUI) with at least one total motile sperm count (TMC) <1million compared to couples with a TMC consistently >1million. Eight hundred and ninety-five cycles in 273 couples were studied from 2006 to 2009. In 895 cycles, ovarian stimulation was performed through recFSH injections. IUI was scheduled 38 +/- 2h after the administration of HCG when at least one follicle measured >18mm. The cumulative pregnancy rate according to the TMC was calculated. The cumulative pregnancy rate after four cycles of IUI was 17.3% in couples with at least one TMC <1million and 25.5% in couples with a TMC consistently >1million. It is concluded that the TMC does not significantly influence cumulative pregnancy rates after 4 IUI cycles. Couples with a low TMC could benefit from IUI. This could be considered before IVF.