Indication of intravaginal insemination for infertility treatment in couples with sexual dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the usefulness of intravaginal insemination (IVI) for the infertility treatment in couples with sexual dysfunction before applying assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: Among 208 couples who presented sexual dysfunction, 144 couples underwent IVI procedures. The profiles of pregnant and non-pregnant patients were compared. Results: Of 144 patients, 58 women conceived successfully (40.3% pregnancy rate). Between the pregnant and non-pregnant cases, the husband's age and infertility period were significantly higher (P =.0104) and longer (P =.0027) in the unsuccessful cases than the successful ones. The husbands who could not impregnate had a significantly higher ratio of sperm abnormalities (P =.0048). Among the 57 successful cases who underwent IVI treatment, 38 (66.7%) patients became pregnant within 3 times of the procedure, while 48 (84.2%) patients conceived within 6 times. Conclusion: The authors can propose the following inclusion IVI criteria for couples with sexual dysfunction: (a) younger husband (36 years old or less) which may be most important, (b) infertility duration of 3 years or less, (c) normal sperm condition, and (d) IVI trial for 3 times (maximum of 6 times). Since IVI appears to be a simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive way for couples with sexual dysfunction, it can be attempted before ART application.