It is generally accepted that intrauterine insemination (IUI) with homologous semen should be preferred as a first choice treatment to more invasive and expensive techniques of assisted reproduction in the case of cervical, unexplained, and moderate male factor subfertility. Scientific validation of this strategy is difficult because the literature is rather confusing and not conclusive.
The rationale for the use of artificial insemination is to increase gamete density at the site of fertilization. Many variables may influence success rates after IUI treatment procedures. Some factors will never be solved by methodological adjustments such as female age, duration of infertility, etc. However, quite some variables can be improved upon using different strategies.