IUI – Intra Uterine Insemination

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves inserting the male partner’s (or donor’s) prepared sperm sample through cervix (the neck of the uterus) and into the cavity of the uterus, immediately before ovulation.

IUI is often recommended in the setting of short-term unexplained infertility or sexual difficulties as an initial treatment before moving on to more complex fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

IUI – Intra Uterine Insemination

WHO IS IUI SUITABLE FOR?

  • Unexplained infertility
  • Minimal endometriosis
  • Cervical infertility: +++
  • Mild male infertility

IUI step by step

Our fertility specialist will discuss the decision for the best technique with you and your partner. Ovulation induction is done using oral or injectable medication. The woman’s cycle is monitored to determine the day of ovulation – this is often referred to as ‘cycle tracking’. Once the follicle is mature, ovulation is triggered by an injection of synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The prepared sperm is inserted directly into the uterine cavity using a very thin cathetr.

Possible complications

Apart from mild pain and spotting on the day of an IUI, there are no major complications. Around five to ten percent of the patients have multiple (generally twin) pregnancies.

Sometimes, a patient may respond excessively to medications and produce more eggs, putting her at risk for multiple pregnancies and a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). If there is a risk of this occurring, your doctor will advise you accordingly and the cycle may be cancelled or converted to an IVF cycle. Infection is a very rare complication.

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