The case for initial treatment with intrauterine insemination as opposed to in vitro fertilization for idiopathic infertility

Abstract

The recent questioning of the validity of evidence used by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in recommending ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) as an effective treatment for couples with unexplained infertility, has re-ignited the debate on what the initial treatment for idiopathic infertility should be. The current best available evidence is used here with the conclusion that the initial treatment for idiopathic infertility should be IUI as opposed to IVF. This conclusion is reached using the results of randomized controlled trials wherever possible, live birth rates rather than pregnancy rates and taking into account efficacy; complications, especially multiple pregnancy rates; patient compliance and cost efficiency. None of these factors indicate that a change of policy to use IVF as first-line treatment in lieu of IUI for unexplained infertility is justified.