Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) is a treatment in which low dose medication is given to allow one or two follicles to develop or done on natural cycle. This is followed by insertion of washed sperms directly into the uterus. IUI increases the probability of fertilization by increasing the number of sperms that reach the fallopian tubes.
IUI is a recommended for couples trying to conceive for at least one year with no success. IUI is recommended in the following cases
The IUI procedure may be performed even in a natural cycle however doctors may give medications to increase follicle production to achieve success. The aim is to allow one to two follicles to grow whose size is monitored using an Ultrasound.
Once the size of follicle reaches 18mm or more, the hormone human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), is administered to stimulate the release of egg from the follicle.
A semen sample is washed in the lab to separate the semen from the seminal fluid. A catheter is used to inject the processed sperm directly into the uterus. The IUI procedure is not painful. Two weeks after the IUI your doctor will advise to take a pregnancy test to check for results.
The average success rate for IUI ranges from 10-20% in one cycle. For Women over 35 years of age the success rate declines.