IUI – Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination is the simplest method of assisted reproduction. IUI helps the sperm get into the uterus and reach the egg. This means that a doctor will use a plastic catheter to insert the sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation (your most fertile day). It is painless and takes only a couple of minutes. 

During sexual intercourse, sperm gets only into the vagina. From here, just a fraction passes the cervix into the uterus and further in the oviducts, where they reach the egg. Another benefit of IUI is that it overcomes vaginal mucus. Normally, a substantial part of sperm does not pass through the mucus, and if it is too thick, all of the sperm remains in vagina. 

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Procedure

1. A doctor monitors ovulation and follicle maturation using an ultrasound in order to plan the date of treatment. It does not matter whether you ovulate naturally or after hormonal stimulation. 
2. At the day of the treatment, you and your partner visit our centre. Your partner supplies the sperm sample about an hour before the procedure itself. 
3. We process the sperm before the procedure. If the partner’s spermiogramme is sub-normal, we concentrate the ejaculate and remove dead / immobile sperm. 
4. An embryologist inserts the processed ejaculate into a catheter and a doctor introduces it into the vagina. Sperm insertion does not feel any different than a regular gynaecological examination. It is painless and you can return to your regular occupation.
5. The result will become apparent in about 2 weeks.