A randomized comparison of the methods of sperm preparation for intrauterine insemination

Fertil Steril. 1998 Sep;70(3):574-5. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00210-6.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of three methods of sperm preparation for IUI during superovulation of infertile women.

Design: Randomized assignment of one of three sperm preparation methods.

Setting: University infertility practice.

Patient(s): Infertile couples undergoing superovulation and IUI.

Intervention(s): The method of preparation of sperm for IUI during superovulation was assigned randomly to double centrifugation, multiple-tube swim-up, or Percoll density gradient.

Main outcome measure(s): Total number and percent recovery of motile sperm, percent of recovered sperm with normal morphology, and cycle fecundity.

Result(s): No method of sperm preparation provided better cycle fecundity than the others despite differences in sperm recovery.

Conclusion(s): Double centrifugation, multiple-tube swim-up, and Percoll density gradient sperm preparation for IUI yield similar cycle fecundity rates.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Centrifugation / methods
  • Colloids
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insemination, Artificial / methods*
  • Male
  • Povidone
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Specimen Handling / methods*
  • Spermatozoa*
  • Superovulation*

Substances

  • Colloids
  • Percoll
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Povidone