The cervical factor of infertility and intrauterine insemination.

Results with intrauterine insemination in 25 couples are presented. The indication for this procedure was a cervical factor of infertility. After an extensive fertility survey in both partners, intrauterine insemination was performed four to seven times per cycle with up to 0.8 ml fresh semen per insemination. Only the first ejaculatory spurt was used. Prophylactic antibiotics were given to all female partners during the insemination period. Within a mean of 6 months 13 couples reported pregnancies (52%). Except for one midtrimester abortion that was probably due to obstetrical reasons, the abortion rate was 33.3%. There were no side effects related to the insemination procedure. Our data indicate that, with appropriate safeguards, intrauterine insemination should be regarded as a safe and effective method for the treatment of the cervical factor of infertility.