Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that involves placing processed sperm into the uterus. The goal is to increase the number of good quality sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization.
How is it performed?
The sperm sample is washed and prepared in the clinical laboratory allowing the separation and concentration of motile spermatozoa in relatively small volumes. The prepared sample is then loaded into a thin flexible catheter attached to an insulin syringe. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and the clinician will then gently introduce the catheter through the cervix, into the uterine cavity. The sample is injected and the catheter and speculum are then removed. This procedure in combination with ovulation induction has further increased the chance of achieving a pregnancy.
The procedure is painless and the woman can immediately return to her daily routine.
In what cases is it recommended?
IUI may be selected as a fertility treatment in the following cases:
- unexplained / idiopathic infertility
- in the presence of cervical abnormalities
- sexual dysfunction
- with the use of donor sperm, for single women or when the partner’s sample is azoospermic
- in cases of normal or medium-quality sperm sample
What are the contraindications?
IUI is not recommended in the following cases:
- for women with mild to severe endometriosis
- women with blocked fallopian tubes
- in the presence of fallopian tube abnormalities
- women with pelvic inflammatory diseases