Intrauterine insemination: facts and fairy-tales

Abstract This review tries to separate the fairy-tales from the facts regarding intrauterine inseminationas treatment option for subfertile couples. Intrauterine inseminationin natural cycleshas been proven effective for male subfertility and cervical hostility. In case of unexplained or mild male subfertility IUI should be applied in cycles with mild ovarian hyperstimulation. Concern exists regarding the achievement of multiple pregnancies after MOH/IUI. With adequate treatment strategies the number of multiple pregnancies can be reduced to acceptable numbers. Intrauterine inseminationis a cost-effective treatment option for most of our subfertile couples and should therefore be offered as a first-line treatment option. Government decisions should not interfere with good clinical practice.