INSEMINATIONS
IUI is a process for placing prepared sperm into the woman's uterine cavity via her cervix, using a fine catheter. It is generally a painless procedure (similar to having a cervical smear) that normally takes only a few minutes.
It is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require a general anaesthetic. The chances of success are increased if the insemination is combined with small doses of fertility drugs to induce ovulation (10-15% per cycle).
The development of the ovarian follicles is monitored with ultrasound and the insemination is timed to take place 24-36 hours after administration of the hormone injection hCG, which triggers ovulation.
The male partner is scheduled to produce a semen sample at an optimal time; his sample is prepared in the laboratory a few hours before the procedure.
IUI is offered to women with normal fallopian tubes, whose partner has a normal sperm count or when a sperm donor is required. It may be the treatment of choice for couples with psychosexual problems and, in accordance with the NICE guidelines, is less often offered to couples when there are no sexual difficulties.
Artificial insemination :
The artificial insemination technique used at Melbourne IVF is known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). It involves inserting the male partner's (or donor's) prepared sperm sample through cervix (the neck of the uterus) and into the cavity of the uterus, immediately before ovulation.
The artificial insemination technique used at Melbourne IVF is known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). It involves inserting the male partner's (or donor's) prepared sperm sample through cervix (the neck of the uterus) and into the cavity of the uterus, immediately before ovulation.
The woman's cycle is monitored to determine the day of ovulation - this is often referred to as 'cycle tracking'. Once the follicle is mature, ovulation is triggered by an injection of synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The prepared sperm is inserted directly into the uterine cavity using a very thin catheter. This process is similar to a pap smear with regard to discomfort.
