Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)

Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) involves the introduction of sperm from the husband, into the woman’s womb via the neck of the womb after processing in andrology laboratory by using a special catheter. The insemination is generally a painless procedure which takes only a few minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. The chances of success are increased if the insemination is combined with ovarian stimulation using small doses of fertility drugs (15 % per cycle).

IUI using husband semen is recommended in cases of:

• Unexplained infertility
• mild endometriosis
• infertility related to sexual problems
• mild sperm abnormalities

The development of the ovarian follicles is monitored with ultrasound and the insemination is timed to take place 36-40 hours after administration of HCG injection, which triggers ovulation.When ovulation has occurred, the husband is asked to produce a semen sample. This sample is prepared in the laboratory, and is then placed in the cavity of the womb by means of a fine catheter passed through the neck of the womb (cervix).

This treatment ensures accurate timing of sperm in the uterine cavity, and bypasses any hostile effects of cervical mucus on the sperm. The sperm preparation itself may also enhance the efficacy of the sperm.

IUI can only be performed in cases where the woman has at least one healthy Fallopian tube, and in which the sperm specimen prepares satisfactorily in the laboratory.

We usually require the sperm to have at least 5 million moving sperm per ml to give IUI treatment a reasonable chance of working.