The Effects of Main Semen Parameters on Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) Outcome

Infertility is common among couples of childbearing age. Approximately, half of known causes of primary infertility are attributable to male factor and the etiology of male factors infertility is poorly understood. While some individuals may be genetically predisposed to be sub-fertile, there are major epigenetic factors implicated as potential causes of male infertility. Semen characteristics such as morphology, concentration and motility have positive effect of infertility. One of the most prevalent methods for solving this problem is Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) and the aim of this study was determining the effect semen characteristics on IUI outcomes.

This cross sectional study was done in Shahid Beheshti hospital (Isfahan, Iran) during March to September 2012. 80 samples of semen of infertile men were selected and analyzed by semen analysis and semen processing methods. Semen characteristics such as physical characteristics and motility were recorded and analyzed.

Fertility in 16 cases (20%) was success and in 64 (80%) was unsuccess. Semen characteristics including volume, concentration and motility was not statistically different between these two groups.

According to results of this study, except semen characteristics, some other factors such as technique of sperm injection, medical instruments and patient factors may have a role in unfertility. Thus, this factors and related protocols mast be revised and couple education mast be done before sperm injection.