IUI involves a much simpler preparation
than IVF to stimulate multiple ovulations and
prepare the sperm. Furthermore, ovulation is allowed to occur without
an operation to collect the eggs, and the sperm are injected high into
the uterus to reach the eggs in the fallopian tubes soon after the
eggs have been released. Both superovulation, induced by gonadotropins,
and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are frequent treatments for
infertility.
A large-scale
randomized trial compared the efficacy of these methods in 932 couples
in which the sperm were motile and the woman had no apparent
infertility factor. Randomization resulted in 231 couples receiving
both superovulation and IUI, 234 receiving IUI alone, 234 receiving
superovulation and intracervical insemination, and 233 receiving
intracervical insemination (control subjects). Superovulation involved
a standard protocol of FSH and human chorionic gonadotropin. Live-born
infants were more common in both superovulation groups than when only
intracervical insemination was performed.
Superovulation and IUI is often
recommended as treatment to infertile couples at our Center; however
we try to temper their expectations of success. A 3-4-fold
increase in pregnancy rates among couples who had superovulation and
IUI compared with the control group (intracervical insemination
without superovulation) was a success rate of greater magnitude than
we formerly would have predicted. Our enthusiasm for the combined
procedure was increased after the report of a randomized study in
which superovulation and IUI was compared with no treatment in women
with minimal or mild endometriosis.
To make an
appointment, please call us TODAY at
615-321-8899.
