Homologous insemination--revisited

Between July 1, 1969, and December 31, 1983, 1774 patients were evaluated in the private infertility clinic at the University of Virginia Hospital. Homologous artificial insemination was performed in 158 patients for the following indications: male factor (75.3%), cervical factor (16.7%), sperm deposition problem (3.7%), patient's request (2.5%), and immunologic factor (1.8%). Whole-ejaculate insemination was performed in 68 patients; split ejaculates were used in 90 women. Additional fertility factors in 140 patients included endometriosis, anatomic abnormalities, and ovulatory difficulties. Of the 158 women, 23 (14.6%) had a total of 27 pregnancies (mean number of cycles, 5.7); 135 failed to conceive during treatment with homologous artificial insemination (mean number of cycles, 8.4). Most pregnancies (70.4%) occurred in those patients in whom homologous artificial insemination was used for a male factor. Among the 135 couples who failed to conceive with homologous artificial insemination, 20 (14.8%) patients subsequently had 25 pregnancies. Male factor had been the indication for homologous artificial insemination in 72% of the couples. Pregnancy outcomes were similar in all subgroups. Homologous artificial insemination may not be indicated for male factor-related infertility.