Simplified sperm washing techniques and intrauterine insemination

Sperm washing followed by intrauterine insemination of the husband's semen has emerged as a useful therapy. Several drawbacks restrict wider availability of this technique. The present study compared the pregnancy rate of a more complicated laboratory protocol with that of a simplified washing protocol in 42 patients. Eighteen pregnancies resulted, for an overall rate of 43%; eight occurred with the complicated protocol in 93 attempts and ten with the simplified protocol in 108 attempts, rates that do not differ significantly. We conclude that sperm washing protocols can be simplified without affecting efficacy, making the technique suitable for office settings.