Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)

Intra-Uterine-Insemination (IUI) can be an effective treatment in cases of low sperm counts and in some cases of unexplained fertility.

It usually involves the female partner being given fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to develop two or three eggs each month. This increases the probability of pregnancy by increasing the number of potential embryos. However, IUI can be performed during a “Natural Cycle” in selected cases.

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We know from IVF research that pregnancy rates are greater when three embryos are replaced instead of one. By stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one egg (follicle) we increase the likelihood of achieving pregnancy. The risk of triplet pregnancy is less than 4% and the chance of twin pregnancies is 15%

	Once you are advised that IUI is a suitable option for you, please keep a note of your period dates and inform us which month you wish to have treatment. An appointment will be given to discuss the treatment prior to starting your drugs. We usually prescribe injections to be taken on day 2, 4, 6. (You may also need to take tablets between day 2 and 6.)

Vaginal ultrasound scans are then performed every 3 or 4 days from day 10 onwards and further injections may be given depending on ovarian response.

IUI is usually performed between day 12 and day 15 of the cycle and it is timed accurately to coincide with the day of ovulation.

The male partner will need to provide a semen sample 2 hours prior to insemination. Active sperm are then separated by laboratory methods and these are then suspended in culture medium. Approximately 1ml of this preparation is inserted high in the uterus so as to deposit sperm near the openings of the fallopian tubes to await the arrival of the eggs.

	The procedure is painless, quick and similar to having a cervical smear. Following this you can rest for a short time before you go home. There is no need to stop working during the treatment cycle, and there are no restrictions on your physical activities after IUI.

IUI-D also known as donor insemination (DI) may be required in cases where the male partner has no sperm.