Intra-Uterine Insemination is the introduction of prepared sperm into your uterus in order to improve the chances on pregnancy. IUI can be performed using either a fresh sample of sperm (collected shortly before the IUI) or frozen sperm (previously collected and frozen for use at a later date). It may be an option for you if you have open fallopian tubes and:

• A male partner with normal or mildly low semen parameters
• A female partner
• No partner

IUI involves tracking the progress of your menstrual cycle using ultrasound scans and blood tests. If you do not have a regular menstrual cycle Ovulation Induction (OI) may be employed to help stimulate the production of a mature follicle. The IUI procedure is performed in the office on the day of ovulation.

Once ovulation has been confirmed and a semen sample is available, the semen is then prepared in the laboratory by the Embryologist. The aim of the preparation process is to select a concentration of best sperm for insemination. The prepared sperm is then introduced, through a fine catheter, into your uterus and is usually a painless procedure and only takes a few minutes, similar to a PAP smear.

The success rate for IUI depends on many factors such as a woman’s age and diagnosis, but is typically between 10 – 15 per cycle.