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
- 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.
- 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.
- We process the sperm before the procedure. If the partner’s spermiogramme is sub-normal, we concentrate the ejaculate and remove dead / immobile sperm.
- 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.
- The result will become apparent in about 2 weeks.
