This is the least invasive and technically easiest (and therefore cheapest) form of treatment, with minimal complications.
In an Intrauterine Insemination cycle, a sample of motile sperm is prepared by the embryologist and placed directly inside the uterus using a very fine catheter. The sperm is deposited before the release of an egg or eggs in a natural or stimulated cycle. Conception occurs naturally inside the body.
IUI is usually the first step in treating couples with unexplained infertility.
IUI can be offered on a natural or stimulated cycle.
On a stimulated cycle (super ovulation), the size and number of follicle are measured using ultrasonography; a Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) injection is given to mature the eggs when the follicles reach a certain size. IUI is performed 24-36 hours after the administration of the HCG injection.
The success rate of IUI is 10% - 12% per cycle. It is recommended that 3 - 6 cycles of treatment are attempted before considering other options.
Indications for intrauterine insemination
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Unexplained infertility
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Male infertility (mild)
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Failure to conceive after ovulation induction treatment
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Immunological (anti sperm antibodies)
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Ejaculatory failure
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Retrograde ejaculation