A Guide to Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that helps sperm get closer to the egg. It's a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure that is often recommended as a first-line treatment for many individuals and couples.

The goal of IUI is to give the best sperm a "head start" by placing them directly into the uterus right around the time of ovulation, increasing the chances that they will reach and fertilise an egg. 🎯

Who is IUI For?

IUI is a versatile and effective option for a wide range of people, including:

• Single individuals and same-sex female couples who are using donor sperm to conceive.

• Couples with unexplained infertility, where IUI can help increase the odds of conception.

• Couples experiencing mild male factor infertility, such as a slightly low sperm count or motility.

• Individuals with cervical mucus issues or other factors that may make it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix.

For IUI to be a suitable option, the fallopian tubes must be open and healthy, and there must be an adequate number of healthy sperm available, either from a partner or a donor.

The IUI Process: Step-by-Step

An IUI cycle is simple and works in harmony with your body's cycle. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Preparing for Ovulation

The first step is to prepare for the release of an egg. This can be done in two ways:

• Natural Cycle: We track your natural menstrual cycle using ultrasound scans or ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) at home to pinpoint the exact time of ovulation.

• Stimulated Cycle: To increase the chances of success, you may be prescribed gentle medication (usually oral tablets like Letrozole) to encourage the development of one or two mature eggs.

Step 2: Monitoring and Timing

If you are on a stimulated cycle, you will visit the clinic for one or two ultrasound scans to monitor the growth of the follicles. When a follicle is mature, you may be given a "trigger shot" (an hCG injection) to time ovulation precisely. The IUI procedure is then scheduled for 24-36 hours later.

Step 3: The Sperm Preparation

On the day of your IUI, the sperm sample is prepared in our laboratory.

• If using a partner's sample, it will be provided fresh at the clinic.

• If using donor sperm, it will be thawed by our team.

The sample then undergoes a "sperm wash". This process separates the most active, healthy sperm from the seminal fluid, resulting in a small, concentrated sample of the best-quality sperm for insemination.

Step 4: The Insemination Procedure

The insemination itself is a quick and simple procedure that feels very similar to a smear test and does not require any anaesthesia.

• You will lie down comfortably.

• A very fine, flexible tube (a catheter) is passed through the cervix and into the uterus.

• The washed sperm sample is gently deposited high up in the uterus.

The entire procedure only takes a few minutes. You can rest for a short while afterwards before carrying on with your day.