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.
Back
Visit the UHCW CHarity Website
Please ensure you have a current blood test request form, if not please contact your hospital consultant or GP and they will post one to you. Unfortunately, your blood test will need to be rescheduled if you do not have a blood test request form when you come to a Blood Test clinic.
All blood tests are by appointment, please book an appointment using the Book Online button below.
If you have an appointment and cannot attend, please remember to cancel or reschedule your appointment so that someone else can use the time slot that you no longer need.
If you cannot book an appointment online, family and friends may be able to help – you can book appointments for more than one person from one account. Booking online is the quickest way to make an appointment.
If this is not possible, there is a telephone line for those who cannot book online. Please call 02476 153546 between 8am and 1pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.