Intrauterine Insemination of Sperm
Intrauterine Insemination of Sperm (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a treatment in which sperm that have been separated from the seminal fluid (sperm washing) are placed high in the uterus with a small sterile catheter just before ovulation to increase the likelihood that an egg will be fertilized.
When is IUI used?
This treatment is used for treating mild male factor infertility, coital factor (difficulty with intercourse), unexplained infertility and for inseminating donor sperm (TDI). IUI may be used in combination with Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole or with superovulation using gonadotropins (injectable fertility medications) during ovulation induction and ovulation augmentation cycles.
What to expect with IUI?
Not all semen samples are suitable for IUI treatments. Samples with reduced sperm concentration, decreased motility or the presence of a high percentage of antisperm antibodies may not yield adequate numbers of sperm to make the treatment worthwhile. In some circumstances your physician may recommend an “IUI evaluation” prior to starting treatment to determine the suitability of your partners semen sample for IUI.
Informed Consent
Informed consent is needed so that patients understand the risks and benefits involved in treatment with intrauterine insemination. It is therefore required that you have received, signed and witnessed important information regarding the use of reproductive material (sperm, eggs or embryos) as outlined in the “Assisted Human Reproduction Regulations on Consent“.