Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination by husband or donor sperm is a procedure by which specially prepared sperm is placed directly in the uterus ( womb ) near ovulation time. This process usually involves ovulation induction which the process of follicle development is monitored by blood hormone and ultrasound scanning. When ovulation has occurred , the male partner is asked to produce a semen sample by masturbation. This specimen is prepared in our sperm laboratory to select only active motile sperm. The prepared sperm is placed right into the uterine cavity by mean of a fine catheter.

The development of the ovarian follicles is monitored with ultrasound and the insemination is timed to take place 36-40 hours after administration of the hormone injection hCG, which triggers ovulation. When ovulation has occurred, the male partner is asked to produce a semen sample. This sample is prepared in the laboratory, and is then placed in the uterine cavity by means of a fine catheter.

Artificial insemination with the use of donor sperm may be indicated when the husband is azoospermic ( no sperm in ejaculated semen ). Donor semen is obtained from our sperm banking. All donors are very carefully screened taking into account their familial and medical history. Syphilis , Hepatitis and HIV testing are carried out in every donor specimen.

IUI should be performed in cases where the woman has healthy fallopian tubes and the sperm preparation is satisfactory. IUI with husband or donor sperm is used to treat patients with at least one healthy fallopian tube. Because the cost per pregnancy is significantly less with IUI than with assisted reproductive technologies , many experts recommend patient trying at least 3 IUI cycles before moving to the more advances and expensive ART.