Sperm morphology from the actual inseminated sample does not predict clinical pregnancy following intrauterine insemination

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of sperm morphology from the specific sample used for intrauterine insemination (IUI) on clinical pregnancy rates (CPR). Design Prospective cohort study Setting Academic fertility clinic. Patients Couples undergoing IUI July 2016-January 2017. Intervention Morphology slides were prepared from the semen sample produced for IUI. Main Outcome Measure CPR was measured by detection of cardiac activity. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to determine the association of sperm morphology with CPR, controlling for age, Anti-Mullerian hormone level, and post-wash total motile sperm count. Results Semen analyses including Kruger strict criteria for morphology from the actual sample inseminated were reviewed for 155 couples comprising 234 total treatment cycles. The percent normal morphology significantly differed between the preliminary semen analysis and the IUI sample (-2.0% + 3.7% (95% CI -2.55,-1.53, p 4%, 4%, Conclusion This study evaluating morphology of the actual inseminated sample did not find differences in CPR following IUI among couples with normal and abnormal sperm morphology including severe teratospermia . Abnormal sperm morphology should not exclude couples from attempting IUI.