Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a non-surgical fertility treatment that involves fertilizing the egg by introducing sperm directly into the uterus. This method has a lower success rate compared to other assisted reproductive techniques and is typically recommended for individuals aged 20–25 years. Patients in this age group are monitored through consultations, hormone tests, and ultrasound examinations.
For successful IUI:
- The sperm quality must be good.
- The woman’s uterus cavity, fallopian tubes, and egg reserve must be normal.
This method is commonly used for individuals with issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or erectile dysfunction. These conditions may prevent the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg naturally due to insufficient quantity or movement. In IUI, sperm placement inside the uterus significantly reduces the distance it needs to travel, improving the chances of fertilization.
The success rate of IUI increases if the woman undergoes ovarian stimulation treatment. When the egg size reaches 18–22 mm during IUI treatment, the woman is injected with the HCG hormone 35 hours before insemination to trigger ovulation. This ensures that the eggs are mature and ready for fertilization after the interaction between medication, the brain, and the pituitary gland stimulates the ovaries.
Female Conditions That May Benefit from IUI
- Cervical Mucus Issues:
- The cervical mucus may not adequately support sperm movement due to high acidity levels.
- Immune or Congenital Issues:
- The presence of antisperm antibodies (which hinder sperm movement and prevent fertilization).
- Relationship Barriers:
- Problems between partners that disrupt consistent sexual activity.
- Endometrial Issues:
- Infections or thin endometrial lining that sperm cannot penetrate.
- If phagocytic cells neutralize the sperm, IVF treatment may be recommended.
Note
If you face infertility issues or have no sperm, you can visit our center’s Urology and Male Infertility Department for specialized care.
There’s no need to worry about infections, as we treat infections in our center before proceeding with IUI.
Tests Required Before IUI Treatment
For Women:
- Uterine Evaluation:
- The doctor will assess the uterus for any structural abnormalities and use ultrasound imaging to confirm its health.
- Comprehensive Hormonal Panel:
- This includes tests such as AMH, E2, PRL, Progesterone, among others.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) or other imaging tests may also be performed to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes.
For Men:
- Semen Analysis:
- A detailed semen analysis is performed to assess sperm quality, motility, count, and morphology.
- The man should abstain from ejaculation for 3–5 days before the test.
- Advanced Tests:
- In certain cases, additional advanced tests may be required. Visit our center for further evaluation and guidance.
