IUI – Intrauterine Insemination

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is preformed by threading a very thin flexible catheter through the cervix and injecting washed sperm directly into the uterus. The whole process takes a short time, it usually requires the insertion of a speculum and then the catheter. The process is a few minutes process.

When an ovum is released, semen sample is provided by the male partner, or by a sperm donation. Donor sperm is supplied by a sperm bank. In the case of vaginal artifical insemination, semen is usually placed in the vagina with a needleless syringe. A longer tube, know as a tom cat may be attached to the end of the syringe to facilitate deposit of the semen deeper into the vagina. This procedure is done without anaethesia The patient is generally advised to lie still for half an hour after the insemination to prevent seepage and to allow the fertilization to take place. The female patient may go about with her usual activities after the procedure.

A more efficient method of artificial insemination is to insert semen directly into the womens uterus IUI. This method is employed only Washed semen may be used and this is inserted by a catheter. The catheter is a specially designed equipment is available for carrying out the artificial insemination. Semen is occasionally inserted twice within a treatment cycle. If the procedure is successful, the women will conceive and carry to term a baby. A pregnancy resulting from artificial insemination will be no different from a pregnancy achieved by sexual intercourse.

Some patients are often indecisive between IUI and IVF treatment. IUI is a simpler procedure and cost less than an IVF cycle. Often younger couples explore the option of IUI before attempting IVF. However, IUI procedure has a lower percentage in pregnancy than IVF has.

With IVF the egg and semen is fertilized outside the uterus and then put back on a certain stage of the embryo therefore you have a higher chance of pregnancy rate. It is often advised that couples seek IVF rather than attempting IUI several times with mere chance around 20-25% compared to chances of success with IVF that could run as high as 80-85%