In cases where mild oligoasthenoteratospermia is observed and the numeric requirements set by the WHO are met, a decision may be made to perform sperm Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). During this procedure, the semen is subjected to a special treatment (centrifugation using the PERCOLL method) which intends to isolate the spermatozoa from the seminal plasma and select the smoothest and most motile of them, as well as to activate the spermatozoa.
To perform this procedure it goes without saying that the fallopian tubes must be dilated and permeable and the woman must be younger than 40 years old.
In fact, based on a review of all the relevant literature for Intrauterine Insemination, it is reported that the success rates are less than 2% for women over 40 years old.
Additionally, when the technique is applied with light ovarian stimulation, the success rate is less than 20%, and in cases of a natural cycle the success rate is less than 12%.
