The cervical cap for home artificial insemination

J Reprod Med. 1986 May;31(5):349-52.

Abstract

The cervical cap was used in artificial insemination (husband) in the home by 63 couples. An overall pregnancy rate of 19% occurred regardless of the duration of use, and a rate of 44% was associated with use for at least six months or until pregnancy occurred. Comparison of pregnancy rates between those in the program and those who dropped out and conceived without therapy revealed no statistical difference.

PIP: The cervical cap was used in artificial insemination (CAIH) in the home by 63 couples. The cap was actually utilized for at least 1 cycle. Pregnancy was achieved by 12 of the 63 patients who used the cap (19%) and by 44% of those who used the cap for at least 6 months or until pregnancy occurred. Those with 2ndary infertility were more likely to conceive than those with primary infertility. Couples achieving pregnancy had a shorter duration of infertility than those not achieving it. Semen concentration also played a significant role in achieving pregnancy. Comparison of pregnancy rates between those in the program and those who dropped out and conceived withou therapy revealed no statistical difference. Based on these results, CAIH is a reasonable approach to the couple whose infertility is thought to be related to decreased cervical mucus-semen interaction on the basis of postcoital testing, decreased sperm density and/or motility, and antibodies or poor functional sperm action. Therapy after 6 months is probably of little use. CAIH is as effective as office-based programs with respect to pregnancy rates and has the advantages of reduced cost and greater privacy and convenience.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insemination, Artificial / instrumentation*
  • Insemination, Artificial, Homologous / instrumentation*
  • Insemination, Artificial, Homologous / methods
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Semen / analysis