J Assist Reprod Genet. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1007/s10815-025-03464-y. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Changing sperm donors after unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles is a common yet understudied practice. This study evaluates whether switching sperm donors impacts the number of IUI cycles required to achieve pregnancy.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 312 women undergoing donor sperm IUI at Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, from 1992 to 2020. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (conceived using only one donor) and Group B (switched donors after initial unsuccessful attempts). The primary outcome was the number of IUI cycles until pregnancy. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
RESULTS: Women in Group A required fewer cycles (mean 3.78 ± 1.90) to achieve pregnancy compared to Group B (mean 6.07 ± 2.95, P < .001). However, after switching donors, the mean number of cycles needed in Group B (2.23 ± 1.61) was significantly lower than the total cycles required by Group A (P < .001). Cumulative live birth rates were higher in Group A (50.5% after three cycles; 81.5% after six cycles) compared to Group B (26.0% after three cycles; 61.9% after six cycles).
CONCLUSION: Switching sperm donors after repeated unsuccessful IUI attempts significantly reduces the additional number of cycles needed to achieve pregnancy. These findings suggest that sperm-oocyte compatibility may influence IUI success. Clinicians should consider donor replacement after multiple failures. Prospective studies are required to confirm these results and investigate underlying biological mechanisms.
PMID:40164790 | DOI:10.1007/s10815-025-03464-y
