A short period of ejaculatory abstinence before intrauterine insemination is associated with higher pregnancy rates

Received 20 March 2009; received in revised form 27 June 2009; accepted 8 July 2009. published online 03 September 2009.

An ejaculatory abstinence period of ≤2 days before IUI produced the highest pregnancy rates per cycle compared with longer intervals of ejaculatory abstinence. This higher conception rate occurred despite a lower total number of motile spermatozoa inseminated.

Key Words: Intrauterine insemination, infertility, ovulation induction, ejaculatory abstinence, semen analysis, sperm parameters

a Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte

b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte

c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Reprint requests: Paul B. Marshburn, M.D., Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28232-2861 (TEL: 704-355-3153; FAX: 704-355-1941).

Supported by the Health Services Foundation, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.

P.B.M. has nothing to disclose. M.A. has nothing to disclose. M.L.M. has nothing to disclose. R.U. has nothing to disclose. M.H.P. has nothing to disclose. S.K. has nothing to disclose. B.S.H. has nothing to disclose.

PII: S0015-0282(09)02462-5

doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.07.972

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