Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
In many cases it is possible to help couples that cannot conceive with minimum invasion. Such methods include intrauterine insemination, which involves placing specially prepared sperm of the partner or donor into the uterine cavity. This method is closest to natural conception and involves minimum invasion into the woman’s body.
What does the IUI method involve? What are the advantages of the IUI method?
The intrauterine insemination method is closest to natural conception. Specially prepared sperm of the partner or donor are placed into the uterine cavity, and conception occurs naturally. In an IUI procedure, we increase sperm concentration, select the most active and viable spermatozoa, and help them through the cervical barrier. The merits of the method are simplicity and lower cost as well as the fact that it is closest to natural conception and involves minimum use of drugs.
In what cases is IUI recommended?
IUI is recommended when the cause of infertility cannot be explained or if the couple is subfertile, meaning that all indicators are in the bottom range of the norm but conception does not occur. IUI is also used when the woman does not ovulate.
What to do if IUI fails?
Intrauterine insemination results in pregnancy in 25% of cases (much like with natural conception). If pregnancy does not occur, in vitro fertilization is recommended.
When is IUI not an option?
There are few contraindications for intrauterine insemination. A required condition is the patency of at least one fallopian tube and at least 5 million spermatozoa per millimetre of sperm.