Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a low tech method of assisted conception. Also known as artificial insemination, IUI has been used with farm animals since the early 1900’s and in humans since the 1940’s.
IUI is a very low risk procedure and one of the least invasive assisted conception procedures. There is no surgery required and there is very little discomfort to the woman’s body. It is not effective for couples where the woman has blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian failure, advanced endometriosis, or where the woman is over 40. It is also not effective for couples where the man has severe fertility problems.
IUI is used mostly for cases of unexplained infertility. It is also used where the man has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility, although sufficient levels of healthy sperm are required to make the treatment work. Otherwise, other techniques, like in vitro fertilization, are more suitable. It can be used for couples who are unable to have intercourse due to disability or injury. It is also commonly used for women who do not have a male partner using donated sperm.
The procedure is fairly simple and straightforward. The woman may be given fertility medications prior to the procedure. However, if only the male partner has fertility problems or the fertility problems are unexplained, fertility drugs will not be used as there is a much greater risk of multiple pregnancy. Around the time of ovulation, a semen sample is acquired (or, in the case of donor sperm, the semen may be acquired in advance). The semen is “washed” in a laboratory. This consists of separating the sperm from other fluids and concentrating them in a small volume, as well as removing any non-motile or otherwise unhealthy sperm. The cervical area of woman is gently cleaned
And the concentrated sperm is placed in the cervix or uterus using a catheter. The woman is often invited to lie down for a short period afterwards, although this does not increase the success rate
Although it is a low tech method with a long history, intrauterine insemination is by no means outdated and remains a viable option for couples who have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive.
