Single versus double intrauterine insemination: are outcomes affected?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intrauterine insemination with or without superovulation is the initial step in assisted reproductive technologies. There have been many attempts to increase the efficiency of this route. One approach may be to increase the frequency of insemination. In the last decade, there has been a continuing debate regarding the increased efficiency of IUI with double IUI.

RECENT FINDINGS: Although the initial studies showed that superovulation with double intrauterine insemination had better pregnancy rates than with a single application, recent studies found that ovarian stimulation with double insemination has not increased the pregnancy rates.

SUMMARY: Superovulation with intrauterine insemination is a treatment modality used in unexplained infertility and mild male infertility. Increasing the efficiency of the technique has always been an interest of research. Double intrauterine insemination has been suggested to increase efficiency; recent studies, however, have not confirmed this finding.