Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This method consists of injecting prepared sperm into the uterus on the day of ovulation. This method is advised in cases where there the sperm motility (forward movement) is poor, and is also a way of helping where there are ejaculation problems, or if the couple has difficulty in having intercourse.

This method can be used with ovarian stimulation which allows us to improve the chances of conception, by increasing the number of eggs and good quality sperm and controlling the time of ovulation.

The nurse will give you medication, in the form of tablets and injections, to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.  She will teach you how to give yourself injections prior to commencing treatments. You will also be given written instructions re medication and timing of medication.

The first day of full flow bleeding is Day 1 of the cycle. During the treatment cycle, you should inform the Centre of this date, so that we can confirm instructions re drugs and also make the appointment for your first ultrasound scan. The scan is performed on day 8 or 9 of the cycle, in order to see how many follicles have developed in the ovaries. After the scan, the Dr will tell whether you need to continue with injections and ovulation will be triggered by an injection one or two days prior to insemination. You should abstain from intercourse, 2 days prior to insemination.

On the day of insemination, your partner will have to produce a semen sample one or two hours prior to your appointment. The sample is processed in the lab to get high levels of active sperm, and this preparation, in a small amount of fluid, will then be injected into the uterus by passing a fine catheter through the cervix. This is quite a simple and painless procedure which is done while you are in the gynecological position. There is no need for anesthesia, and it takes 2-3 minutes.

After the procedure, you will rest for 10-20 minutes and during this time the nurse will bring your instructions for the rest of your treatment. You may be given Progesterone vaginal tablets or gel, or injections to support the uterine lining in the post insemination stage of treatment. You can then go home and live a normal life. Fifteen days later, you will have the pregnancy test. This is recommended as a blood test which measures pregnancy hormone levels, to let us know if the treatment has been successful.

In case of a negative test, you will be offered a free follow up consultation with Dr Goswamy to discuss the strategy for future treatments.

If three IUI treatments have not resulted in a pregnancy, we recommend a consultation to review your treatment.