IUI – Intrauterine insemination

An IUI procedure is usually recommended for the following category of patients facing fertility problems. 

A. Unexplained infertility

B. Semen parameter abnormalities like decreased sperm concentration or decreased sperm motility or a combination of multiple sperm parameter abnormalities 

C. Cervical scarring or cervical mucus abnormalities

D. Sexual dysfunction

E . Non consummated marriage 

F. Morbid Obesity preventing intercourse

Types of IUI

IUI can be done in a natural way or by a stimulated way were drugs like clomiphene citrate, gonadotrophin injections and/or a combination of these drugs is often utilized.

IUI – Natural Cycle:

In this technique the patient does take any medications and/or injections to stimulate egg growth and IUI is planned at a time of where the egg growth and release occurs naturally.

The timing of ovulation and prospective egg release is monitored carefully using a combination of ultrasound and blood tests.

IUI – Stimulated Cycle:

Drugs for ovulation induction like clomiphene (most commonly used) or Gonadotrophin are given at the beginning of the menstrual cycle to stimulate the ovaries to develop several mature eggs.

After administration of the drugs, serial ultrasound scans are done to locate and monitor the development of follicles and the maturation of eggs.

IUI Is planned within 36 hours post HCG injection (a drug which mimics the LH surge).

On the day of IUI, the semen sample collected by masturbation is washed and prepared in a way where numerous motile spermatozoa are separated from seminal plasma.

Different methods of separation exists and it is debatable as to which is the best method.  

Finally the most motile sperms are loaded in a fine, soft catheter and introduced into the uterus through the cervix under aseptic precautions.

The whole process only takes few minutes and is relatively pain free.

The patient can resume all normal activities at the earliest.

A pregnancy test is then done 14 day post the IUI.