My RFP doctor has recommended an IUI cycle? What is the next step?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. During this procedure the prepared sperm sample is placed inside the uterus with a small tube or catheter. This is not a painful procedure.
If you decide to proceed with IUI, the first step is to pay the IUI registration fee. Following that payment, you will be contacted by an IUI nurse to discuss the next steps associated with an IUI, including set up information and any outstanding pre-screening requirements.
Consents are sent electronically using EngagedMD. You will be required to complete these within 48 hours of setup. Our Finance Department can create a personalized quote – just send us a message in your Prelude app.
Please read all of the information provided in your information package. This will explain the booking process, how to choose and use an ovulation predictor kit, how to take Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole (Femara®) and also success rates, etc. of IUI.
What are the costs for IUI?
The cost of an IUI treatment ranges depending on the source of the sperm that is used (fresh partner, frozen partner or donor sperm), as well as the services that are provided to ensure ovulation is happening – follicular tracking ultrasounds or using ovulation predictor kits.
The payment for the IUI is due within 48 hours of treatment set up. If the cycle is not completed for any reason a portion will be refunded back. This is a non-insured procedure. All expenses related to this treatment are the responsibility of the patients undergoing this therapy. Payment may be made by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Interac, Visa Debit, Debit MasterCard, Cash or Bank Draft. We regret that we are unable to offer payment plans.
In the event of cycle cancellation, fees will apply based on services received up to time of cancellation.
Please be aware that there is a lab fee if we are unable to obtain enough sperm to do the IUI. If frozen partner or donor sperm is required, additional fees will be incurred. The cost of medication(s) is not included.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| IUI Registration fee (with partner sperm) This covers the provision of initial information, administration and access to program nurses for questions. This is a once only, non-refundable charge. |
$150.00 |
| TDI Registration fee (with donor sperm) Payable before or at the time of your counseling appointment and includes administrative costs, facility overhead costs, information, requisitions and interpretation and nursing access for medical questions. This is a once only, non-refundable charge. |
$270.00 |
| TDI (with donor sperm) Counseling Service | $230.00 per visit |
| IUI Treatment This fee includes the organization of the treatment cycle by nursing, preparation of the semen sample in the Diagnostic Semen Lab (DSL), access to nursing staff when questions arise, and the insemination itself. This fee is due within 48 hours of treatment set up. For IUI treatment with donor sperm, please see additional fee for semen sample wash. |
IUI with partner sperm: $1,000.00 IUI with donor sperm: $1,000.00 |
| Second Insemination When a second insemination is performed during the same cycle, this fee includes preparation of the semen sample in the DSL and the insemination. This fee is due at the time of insemination. |
IUI with partner sperm: $950.00 IUI with donor sperm: $950.00 |
| Follicular Monitoring Ultrasounds Ultrasound tests performed during an IUI cycle which are performed at the Regional Fertility Program or organized by RFP staff at EFW – Cambrian Wellness location. The fee is payable at the facility where the ultrasound is performed. |
$175.00 per U/S |
| Semen Sample Wash Semen samples are washed and prepared in DSL for insemination for most IUI cycles. Some types of IUI cycles require a wash to be performed. If a wash is required, this fee will be assessed and due the date of insemination. |
$150.00 |
| Approximate cost of Donor Semen Sample Prices vary with donor selected. Covers one insemination for one treatment cycle. |
$ Varies See donor sperm website – plus applicable shipping fees |
| Donor Semen Documentation Mandatory documentation completed for Health Canada compliance for each shipment. |
$225.00 |
| Annual Storage of Donor Semen Sample | $720.00 |
| Lab Tests If blood tests are required during the IUI cycle there may be a charge at the laboratory. That fee will be determined by individual labs. |
$ Varies |
| Ovulation Predictor Kits Ovulation predictor kits are sold at pharmacies including RFP Pharmacy. Please check costs at the pharmacy of your choice. |
$ Varies |
| Drug Costs The cost will vary according to which medications may be needed. |
$ Varies |
| You are responsible for any additional costs incurred, such as travel and accommodation costs. Please note that all fees are quoted in Canadian dollars except as noted and are subject to change without notice. A 2% per month interest fee will be charged on all overdue accounts. |
How do I book an IUI?
Once you have paid the IUI registration fee and spoken with a nurse regarding your next steps, on the first day of your period (full flow) call the clinic and leave a message for the IUI nurse stating today is your period and you would like to book an IUI. Please leave your full name, chart number and the number you can be reached at.
At that time the nurse will explain to you when to start your prescription of Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole (Femara®). This is usually taken on the third to seventh day of your period. The nurse will determine the best day to start testing with your Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK). This is usually a couple of days prior to when we would expect you to ovulate given your usual cycle length. You will be asked to test your urine with the kit between 10 am and 1 pm. You need a concentrated urine sample to get an accurate reading. This means you should not take any fluids for 3-4 hours prior to testing.
Our IUI Program is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Our nursing staff will ask if you would like an AM or PM appointment, however your date and time will be confirmed after you notify us of your surge.
If applicable, the nurse will instruct you and your partner to make love on a particular day and then abstain until after the IUI.
On the day you get a positive reading on your OPK (you will know what a positive reading is by following the instructions in your specific OPK) you will call the clinic BEFORE 2 pm and leave a message for the IUI nurse stating that you have a LH surge (lutenizing hormone is what your kit is picking up) or that your OPK kit is positive. You can expect a phone call or message from the IUI nurse confirming your appointment time and donor number (if applicable). We will be expecting you the following day at your pre-booked appointment times.
How is the IUI procedure done?
The IUI procedure is quite simple. You will be asked to clearly identify yourself. You and the nurse will both identify the sperm sample left by your partner or the donor sample you are using. The nurse will ensure that both you and your partner have signed all consent forms required for your treatment.
The IUI nurse will load the sperm sample into a tiny tube or catheter and insert this tube through the opening into your uterus (cervix). This is generally not a painful procedure. You can return to your daily activities. You will be given a date on which you can do a pregnancy test if your period has not arrived.
Why is IUI with Ultrasound Tracking necessary?
Some patients have problems helping identify when they are ovulating with an OPK(Ovulation Predictor Kit). It is helpful to track their ovulation with a series of ultrasounds around the expected time of ovulation. Once it has been determined that you are ready to ovulate you will give yourself an injection of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) to release the egg. The nurse will teach you how to do this. Ultrasound can be used to determine the side of ovulation if one tube is missing or blocked.