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INTRA UTERINE INSEMINATION
(IUI)

WHAT IS IUI?

IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a relatively simple fertility treatment. The procedure itself involves transferring semen that has been washed in a special way directly into the uterus via a thin catheter. This may increase the chance of fertilization by having the sperm directly entering the uterus.

IUI treatment may be recommended for any of the following situation:

  • Male infertility ( when sperm quality is slightly low eg. Reduced sperm count & motility)
  • Unexplained infertility
  • A hostile cervical condition, including cervical mucus problems
  • Couples who are unable to have sexual intercourse due to some physical factors or psychological problem
  • If a sperm donar is being used

IUI is not recommended for those with

  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Severe endometriosis
  • Previous pelvic infection
  • Man with a very small sperm count or poor quality sperm.

STEPS OF IUI

01. Check the Fallopian Tubes

The first step before commencing the IUI process is to have a tubal assessment by HSG/SSG

02. Fertility Drugs

We may prescribe you to take fertility drugs (ovulation inducing drugs-tablet/injection) to help boost your egg production. Sometimes, you can have IUI treatment during your normal menstrual cycle.

03. Scans

If you are taking fertility drugs, then you have to come regularly to monitor with ultrasound scans to check how many follicles are developing.

04. Hormone Injection

Shortly before the insemination, you will be given a hormone injection called the trigger injection. This injection will help the final phase of egg maturation and will result in the egg being released from the vovary.

04. Insemination

This procedure is done at the time of ovularion when egg is relased from the ovary . Partner will come into the clinic that day with patient and give a semen sample. A catheter—a small, thin tube—will be placed in cervix . The specially washed semen will then be transferred into uterus via the catheter.

05. Pregnancy Test

Do a pregnancy blood test14 days post IUI

06. Risks

IUI is a relatively low-risk procedure. There is a very small risk of infection. Some of the biggest risks come from the fertility drugs used specially gonadotrophin which may increase the risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Risk of conceiving multiples (twins, triplets, or even more) is higher when taking gonadotropins.

07. Success Rate

In cycles where fertility drugs and IUI were combined, the pregnancy success rate can reach as high as 20%. Success rate will vary depending on the cause of your infertility and age.