Retrospective Comparison of the Efficiency of Sperm Preparation Methods in Intrauterine Insemination in Unexplained Infertility Cases

• Main Author: Asli Yaylalı
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University 2020-07-01
• Series: Acta Medica Alanya
• Subjects: i̇nfertility; microchip; intrauterin insemination,; i̇ntrauterin inseminasyon,; i̇nfertilite,; mikroçip,
• Online Access: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/medalanya/issue/56070/661870?publisher=alku

Aim: To compare the effects on pregnancy rates of the sperm preparation methods used in intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment in couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility.Method: The study included 112 couples who presented at the Assisted Reproductive Techniques Clinic with no gynaecological problem observed in the female and semen analysis in the male showing features suitable for insemination, who were then diagnosed with unexplained infertility. The patients were evaluated in three groups according to the sperm preparation methods as Group 1 (Swim-Up), Group II (Gradient) and Group III (Microchip). The results were analyzed statistically and discussed in light of the relevant literature. Results: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect to the age of the couples, duration of infertility, female basal FSH values, number of dominant follicles formed with ovulation induction, endometrium thickness during IUI, total number of motile sperm before sperm preparation, ratio of sperm with normal morphology (Kruger), motility rate after sperm preparation, and number of inseminated sperm (p>0.05 for all). The mean number of IUI attempts was 3.68 in the Microchip group, 1.86 in the Swim-Up group and 1.82 in the Gradient group. A statistically significantly higher number of IUI attempts was made in the Microchip group than in the other groups (p<0.01). In the comparison of the pregnancy rates, the highest rate of 22.73% was determined in the Microchip group, followed by 17.39% in the Gradient group and 15.91% in the Swim-Up group, with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups (p=0.064). Conclusion: Although there was no apparent difference in success between the two methods most frequently used in sperm preparation in IUI cycles (Swim-Up, Gradient), the method of sperm selection with Microchip, which is being increasingly used, seems to be a promising alternative. There is a need for further