Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves inserting sperm into a woman’s uterus, close to the time of ovulation. It is a simpler, less invasive form of fertility treatment. This procedure is used for couples with unexplained infertility, minimal male factor infertility, and women with cervical mucus problems. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often done in conjunction with ovulation-stimulating drugs.
Before Intrauterine insemination (IUI), ovulation-stimulating medications may be used, in which case careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature. Insemination is performed at the time of ovulation, usually within 24-36 hours after the LH surge is detected, or after the “trigger” injection of hCG is administered. Ovulation is predicted by a urine test kit or blood test and ultrasound. In the case of husband insemination, the male partner produces a specimen, at home or at the clinic or doctor’s office. The sperm is then prepared for Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm from the male partner are “washed” or separated. The semen sample is analysed and washed to concentrate the motile sperm. Sperm washing cleanses the sperm of potentially toxic chemicals which may cause adverse reactions in the uterus. The final prepared sample is used for insemination where it is gently inserted into the uterine cavity using a speculum and a small catheter. The Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure takes only a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
It’s a common myth that bed rest is necessary to improve the chances of conception after Intrauterine insemination (IUI).
The pregnancy or success rates for artificial insemination are 15–20% per cycle for Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Pregnancy rates from IUI are lower than those from In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
The only way to be sure whether or not Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has worked is to take a pregnancy test 14 days after the IUI procedure.