Variation in spontaneous abortion rate relates to the indication for therapeutic donor insemination

To evaluate the relationship between indications for donor insemination and the rate of spontaneous abortion of these pregnancies.

All therapeutic donor insemination pregnancies from our clinic over a 15-year period were categorized according to the indications for insemination, recipient's age, cycle of conception, use of ovulation-inducing agents, use of fresh or frozen semen, and pregnancy outcome. Spontaneous abortion rates were compared between groups segregated according to the indication for donor insemination; differences in maternal age were taken into account. Statistical evaluation was done using chi 2 analysis.

Women whose partners produced some sperm in their ejaculates had a spontaneous abortion rate of 21.8%, as compared to 15.4% for women whose partners were azoospermic (P < .05). When couples with oligospermia were segregated by degree of oligospermia, those with counts greater than 2 x 10(6)/mL had an abortion rate of 26.2%, as compared to 11.7% in those with counts less than 1 x 10(6)/mL (P < .025).

The indication for performing therapeutic donor insemination has an influence on the resultant spontaneous abortion rate. Several possible reasons for this relationship may exist, but more data will be needed for verification. A better understanding of the influences that the indication for donor insemination has upon the outcome will facilitate more accurate counseling of candidate couples.