IUI (Intrauterine insemination) consists of depositing a semen sample, which has been prepared in advance in the laboratory, inside the woman’s uterus in order to increase the potential of the spermatozoa and improve the chances of the egg being fertilised. In this way, the distance separating the spermatozoon and the ovum is shortened, and the process whereby these come together is facilitated.
IUI using semen from the male partner is recommended for:
IUI using semen from a donor is recommended for:
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At your first visit to an IVI clinic, the doctor will fully explain all suitable treatments available to reach your desired result. If you opt for intra uterine insemination (IUI), then the procedures are as follows.
This procedure is necessary for increasing the chances of success, as a woman only produces one follicle – and therefore a single ovum – in each natural menstrual cycle. Furthermore, for artificial insemination to be successful it is essential that at least one of the Fallopian tubes is permeable and that the man’s semen contains a minimum concentration of motile spermatozoa, allowing the technique to be carried out with good chances of success. This phase consists of stimulating the ovary so that it naturally produces more ova, and it lasts around 10-12 days.
During treatment, a series of 3 or 4 ultrasound scans are carried out and the amount of estradiol in the blood is determined to check that there is normal growth and development of the follicles. When we have evidence through the ultrasound scans that the follicles have reached an adequate size and number, we schedule artificial insemination around 36 hours after administering an injection of hCG which induces oocyte maturation and ovulation.
Semen preparation in intra uterine insemination consists of selecting and concentrating the spermatozoa with the best motility. To achieve this the specimens are processed by means of semen capacitation or preparation techniques which allow dead, immobile or slow spermatozoa to be eliminated and the quality of the sample which is to be used for insemination to be optimised.
The process of insemination is carried out during consultations at IVI assisted reproduction clinics following ovulation induction. Two hours beforehand, a semen sample must be given to the Andrology Laboratory for preparation and capacitation. A speculum is put in place, which is no more uncomfortable than having a smear test, following which the cannula is passed through the cervix, enabling the sample to be introduced into the uterus.
During treatment, a series of 3 or 4 transvaginal ultrasound scans are performed to check the growth and development of the follicles (follicles are fluid filled sacs in which an egg will develop). When the follicle has reached the optimum size an injection of hCG is administered to mature the egg in the follicle and time the release of the egg (ovulation) . This injection is given approximately 36 hours before insemination takes place.