Intrauterine insemination: facts and fairy-tales

This review tries to separate the fairy-tales from the facts regarding intrauterine insemination as treatment option for subfertile couples. Intrauterine insemination in natural cycles has 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 insemination is 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.