Intrauterine Insemination
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Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a common procedure that has been used for many years to help deliver male sperm closer to the female egg. IUI is the most common form of artificial insemination (Al) used and involves placing sperm into the uterus through an assisted medical process. It is a relatively low-tech solution to infertility problems. IUI is usually one of the first techniques used to assist a couple who is having difficulty becoming pregnant.
In the procedure, warmed and 'washed' (treated) sperms are introduced into the uterus through a tube. The procedure is done around the time of ovulation to give the best chance of conception. Hormonal (fertility) medications might be used in conjunction with the treatment to enhance chances of pregnancy.
IUI Benefits
IUI inserts a large amount of the best-performing sperm directly into the uterus thus increasing the chance of fertilization.
When Is IUI Not Suitable?
IUI is not effective when there are:
• A blocked or damaged fallopian tube • Ovarian failure (menopause)
• Severe male factor infertility, i.e. no sperm, very low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), sperm defects. A female partner over the age of 40. Severe endometriosis
Reason For Using IUL
IUI is mainly used when timed intercourse or hormonal medications alone have not worked, or if there are mild sperm abnormalities, such as poor motility (e.g. the ability of the sperm to move). In addition, IUI can be used to overcome fertility due to the following conditions:
- Low sperm count
- Ejaculation problems
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Unexplained infertility
- Physical problems with sexual intercourse
- Mucus and hostility