This treatment is often recommended as the first line treatment in cases of unexplained infertility. It can also be used for patients with:
IUI involves the introduction (insemination) of sperm from the husband, partner or donor into the woman's womb via the neck of the womb. The insemination is generally a painless procedure which takes only a few minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. The chances of success are increased if the insemination is combined with ovarian stimulation using small doses of fertility drugs. However the combination with ovarian stimulation also introduces a risk of multiple pregnancies.
The development of the ovarian follicles is monitored with ultrasound examination and the insemination is timed to take place 36-40 hours after administration of the hormone injection HCG, which triggers ovulation.
When ovulation has occurred, the male partner is asked to produce a semen sample. This sample is prepared in the laboratory, and is then placed in the cavity of the womb by means of a fine catheter passed through the neck of the womb (cervix). This treatment ensures accurate timing of sperm in the uterine cavity, and bypasses any hostile effects of cervical mucus on the sperm. The sperm preparation itself may also enhance the efficacy of the sperm.
IUI can only be performed in cases where the woman has at least one healthy Fallopian tube, and in which the sperm specimen prepares satisfactorily in the laboratory. We normally require the sperm to have at least 5 million moving sperm per ml to give IUI treatment a reasonable chance of working.
IUI using Donor Sperm (Donor Insemination, DI, IUI/DI)
Donor sperm may be used in certain situations:
Donor sperm may be replaced in one of two ways:
Donor sperm treatment requires careful discussion and thought before it can be embarked upon. Implications Counselling is essential and this will be provided if donor sperm treatment is being considered.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Earlier this year, the Government revised the guidance on Shielding for CEV patients. All those who have been identified as CEV have been advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else, whilst potentially thinking about extra precautions you could take to reduce your chance of catching COVID-19.
Taking into account this guidance, and the evidence that most patients have now resumed having their blood tests at their usual preferred location, UHCW will no longer be providing the Shielding phlebotomy service from Monday 13 December 2021. You will need to make arrangements to get your blood tests done, as you did prior to the pandemic at locations across Coventry and Warwickshire at www.uhcw.nhs.uk/bloodtests If your specialist has requested a blood test which is due to be taken prior to Monday 13th December, you can expect it to take place at a ‘Pop-up’ clinic, as before. Any blood tests required after this date will need to be a booked appointment.
You can keep up to date with the latest advice from the Government and from UHCW on the following website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.