Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

 

IUI is a process of insemination of the washed and processed sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation. IUI can only be applied on those who have normal uterus and  patent Fallopian tubes. Indications of IUI include:

 

1. ovulatory dysfunction
2. inadequate cervical mucus
3. mild to moderate endometriosis
4. mild male factors (oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia)
5. immunological factors (antisperm antibodies)
6. unexplained infertility
7. sperm donation

 

 

In IUI, female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation. Ovarian stimulation can be achieved by daily clomiphene citrate intake or gonadotropin injection. When the ovarian follicles reach 18 mm in diameter, hCG injection is given to mature the eggs and trigger ovulation. At Metro IVF, the hCG injection is usually given at 10pm and IUI is performed in the morning of the day after tomorrow, that is, 36 hours post hCG injection.

 

 

 

On the day of IUI, the male partner has to produce his semen by mastubation similar to that in semen analysis. He is advised to comply to the instructions as listed below:

  • 3 to 5 days of abstinence prior to semen collection
  • inform the nurse if he was sick or on any medication for the past 2 months
  • collection by masturbation is preferred
  • wash hands with soap and clean with water before semen collection
  • do not use lubricant, soap or perfume during semen collection
  • aviod spillage when semen is collected

 

After the semen is produced, the laboratory technician or embryologist will process the semen by removing the seminal plasma, debris, residual cells, dead and sluggish sperm. This is done by a series of steps including adding sperm wash media and centrifuging (see Video 1). The final solution with live and motile sperm will be used for insemination.

 

              

 

The process of IUI requires no sedation or anaesthesia and it is similar to that of pap smear. A speculum is inserted into vagina to hold it open. Then the washed sperm is inserted into the female partner's uterus using a long and thin catheter through the cervical canal (see Video 2). The whole procedure just take 5 minutes to complete.

 

After IUI, the female partner may require some luteal supports such as vaginal pessary or injection. She has to take extra cares such as:

  • rest more and avoid excessive physical activities. Bed rest is not necessary.
  • drink plenty of water
  • do not take any medication without doctor consultation

Urine or serum pregnancy test will be done two weeks after the procedure to confirm pregnancy.