In an Intrauterine Insemination
cycle, a sample of motile sperm is prepared by the embryologist and
placed directly inside the uterus using a very fine catheter. The sperm
is deposited before the release of an egg or eggs, in a natural or
stimulated cycle. Conception occurs naturally inside the body.
IUI can be offered on a natural or stimulated cycle. On a stimulated
cycle (super ovulation), the size and number of follicle are measured
using ultrasonography; a Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) injection
is given to mature the eggs when the follicles reach a certain size. IUI
is performed 24-36 hours after the administration of the HCG injection.
The intrauterine insemination success rate is upto 20% per cycle. It is recommended that
at least 3-4 cycles of treatment are attempted before considering other
options.
Indications for intrauterine insemination
- Unexplained infertility
- Male infertility (mild)
- Failure to conceive after ovulation induction treatment
- Sexual Dysfunction Ejaculatory failure
- Retrograde ejaculation
