TR
EN
Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the association between inseminated progressive motile sperm count (IPMSC) and pregnancy test positivity after intrauterine insemination (IUI), and to identify a useful threshold.
Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included 564 IUI cycles in 364 women treated between January 2025 and July 2026. Semen samples were prepared by density-gradient centrifugation followed by swim-up, and 0.5 mL was inseminated. IPMSC was calculated from post-wash concentration and insemination volume. IPMSC was analysed categorically and continuously and compared with pre-wash counts. Associations were assessed using generalized estimating equations, with patient identity as the clustering variable.
Results: Pregnancy test positivity was 12.2% per cycle and 19.0% per woman. Pre-wash sperm parameters did not differ between positive and negative cycles. Median IPMSC was higher in positive cycles (15.0 vs 10.0×10⁶, p=0.012). One of 76 cycles with an IPMSC below 2×10⁶ had a positive test (1.3%), compared with 13.9% at or above this level (p<0.001). After adjustment for female age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone, IUI attempt number, and infertility cause, an IPMSC of at least 2×10⁶ remained associated with a positive test (OR 9.85, 95% CI 1.37–70.68; p=0.023). Female age was also independently associated with the outcome (OR 0.93 per year; p=0.011).
Conclusion: IPMSC was related to a positive pregnancy test, while pre-wash sperm counts were not. Positive tests were uncommon below approximately 2×10⁶, but pregnancy was still possible. IPMSC may help in counselling patients but should not be used as a strict cut-off for IUI treatment.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
No funding was received for this study.
Ethical Statement
No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.
Permission was obtained from Pamukkale University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee for the study (permission date 12.08.2026, decision number 915989).
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
October 10, 2026
Submission Date
August 13, 2026
Acceptance Date
September 29, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 19 Number: 4
APA
Kabukçu, C., & Kılıç, D. (2026). Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles. Pamukkale Medical Journal, 19(4), 823-833. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.2017141
AMA
1.Kabukçu C, Kılıç D. Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles. Pam Med J. 2026;19(4):823-833. doi:10.31362/patd.2017141
Chicago
Kabukçu, Cihan, and Derya Kılıç. 2026. “Is There a Threshold for the Inseminated Progressive Motile Sperm Count in Intrauterine Insemination? A Retrospective Cohort Study of 564 Cycles”. Pamukkale Medical Journal 19 (4): 823-33. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.2017141.
EndNote
Kabukçu C, Kılıç D (October 1, 2026) Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles. Pamukkale Medical Journal 19 4 823–833.
IEEE
[1]C. Kabukçu and D. Kılıç, “Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles”, Pam Med J, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 823–833, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.31362/patd.2017141.
ISNAD
Kabukçu, Cihan - Kılıç, Derya. “Is There a Threshold for the Inseminated Progressive Motile Sperm Count in Intrauterine Insemination? A Retrospective Cohort Study of 564 Cycles”. Pamukkale Medical Journal 19/4 (October 1, 2026): 823-833. https://doi.org/10.31362/patd.2017141.
JAMA
1.Kabukçu C, Kılıç D. Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles. Pam Med J. 2026;19:823–833.
MLA
Kabukçu, Cihan, and Derya Kılıç. “Is There a Threshold for the Inseminated Progressive Motile Sperm Count in Intrauterine Insemination? A Retrospective Cohort Study of 564 Cycles”. Pamukkale Medical Journal, vol. 19, no. 4, Oct. 2026, pp. 823-3, doi:10.31362/patd.2017141.
Vancouver
1.Cihan Kabukçu, Derya Kılıç. Is there a threshold for the inseminated progressive motile sperm count in intrauterine insemination? A retrospective cohort study of 564 cycles. Pam Med J. 2026 Oct. 1;19(4):823-3. doi:10.31362/patd.2017141
