Absolute male factor infertility. A useful model for evaluating the efficacy of cryopreserved semen.

Cryopreserved semen generally results in diminished pregnancy rates when used for donor insemination. However, coexisting female subfecundity may significantly confound the pregnancy outcome. Therefore, in order to determine the efficacy of cryopreserved semen, 43 consecutive women with absolute male factor infertility (single women or wives of azoospermic men) were inseminated with cryopreserved spermatozoa using cervical caps. Life table analysis of the results revealed a cumulative probability of conception of 84% with a monthly fecundability rate of 19% after eight insemination cycles. These results are similar to those reported using fresh semen, suggesting that the efficacy of cryopreserved semen may be higher than previously believed.