What Is Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine Insemination is the procedure used to insert sperm at the exact time when a woman ovulates to increase the chance of conception. This treatment can be used where there is infertility that can't be readily explained, or if problems with ovulation are identified.

The problem can also lie with the man whose sperm may do move well or that the count is low. Sometimes it might be that sperm are finding it difficult to swim through the cervical mucus or that the woman's antibodies attack and kill the sperm.

Impotence can also be another contributing factor as can premature ejaculation. Only the healthiest sperm specimens are taken from the seminal fluid once it has been washed. Sperm that have been collected and washed are then put into a catheter ready for insertion into the womb.

The Intrauterine Insemination procedure is usually quite painless and the worst that could happen is mild cramps like those felt during the monthly period. Sometimes, the catheter has a problem when it's inserted into the cervix but painkillers are normally given if there is any physical discomfort.

If drugs are needed to stimulate ovulation when using Intrauterine Insemination, then and injection or nasal spray may be required. The egg is released using a hormone injection once it is mature and the chosen sperm is inserted with a catheter, 36 to 40 hours afterwards. A short period of rest is normally required after the procedure which only takes a small number of minutes.

When treatment takes place at a clinic, donated sperm is thoroughly checked against Hepatitis and HIV infection. However, if the insemination is to be carried out at home using freshly donated sperm, this cannot be guaranteed against infection.

The success rate using Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is only 15 per cent per treatment and that is only when the woman's tubes and the man's sperm are healthy. Although Intrauterine Insemination is the first assisted conception treatment provided when there is infertility that cannot be explained, In Vitro Fertilization can be used afterwards if it is unsuccessful. Unfortunately the more a woman ages the less fertile they become, and like other fertility treatments, IUI is no different.