Intrauterine insemination is a procedure in which the sperms are washed and placed into the woman's uterus near the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place.
The insemination is done around the time of ovulation. This simple, inexpensive procedure is repeated monthly and is an effective treatment for mild cases of infertility.

IUI is most commonly used for infertility associated with poor postcoital test or mild degrees of male factor infertility. In addition, it can still be effective in women with unexplained infertility and for some couples with immunological abnormalities. Tubal patency should be demonstrated prior to performing insemination. This is usually done with an x-ray study called a hysterosalpingogram.

The pregnancy success rates vary widely depending on the cause and duration of infertility, age, and on additional treatments such as clomiphene or gonadotropins. In general, the chances of conceiving range from 10 to 15% per cycle, and in case of superovulation, it reaches around 20% per cycle.

We monitor the woman's follicular growth by ultrasound, which assists in scheduling the insemination to coincide with ovulation. Natural ovulation may be used for IUI, but we often use clomipene or gonadotropins to obtain better results. The insemination procedure involves? placing a fraction of motile sperms into the uterine cavity via a catheter. Progesterone may also be administered after insemination.

The procedure takes only a few minutes. It is recommended for woman to remain lying down for 20-30 minutes following the procedure, but this is not mandatory.

Most pregnancies with IUI occur in the first 3-4 attempts. The chances for success drop off considerably after about 4-6 unsuccessful attempts Therefore, we might try 4-6 cycles of IUI, and if these are not successful, then recommend other methods like IVF. Individual variation may be considered according to the age and cause and duration of infertility.

Abstinence is recommended for 2-3 days before insemination. After the day of insemination, you are free to do any daily activities (including douche, tub bath, coitus, and so on).

The complications of insemination itself are infrequent. Pregnancies achieved through IUI are no more likely to suffer from miscarriage. ectopic pregnancy, or any congenital anomalies than natural pregnancy. On condition of using gonadotropins, there may be complications of hyperstimulation multiple pregnancies and the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). (Refer to IVF FAQ No.7).