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.

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.

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.