What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination also known as artificial insemination is a non-invasive ART procedure. The procedure is simple, easy to perform, does not include extreme effort from the couple and costs less than advanced procedures such as IVF and ICSI. Generally, IUI is recommended for couples with good ovarian reserve and reasonable semen parameters, but with associated problems such as PCOS, minimal endometriosis, borderline sperm counts and motility, and also for unexplained infertility.

There are two types of IUI

• "Natural IUI" where insemination takes place after monitoring a natural cycle.
• "Stimulated IUI" where the chances of success may be increased if the insemination is combined with small doses of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation.

In both options the development of the ovarian follicles is monitored using ultrasound and the insemination is timed to take place around 40-48 hours of trigger injection or LH surg.

Who benefits from IUI?

Although IUI may improve your chances over natural "timed intercourse", it is much less successful than IVF.

1. It can be the treatment of choice for couples where the woman has normal fallopian tubes but couples are unable (or finding it very difficult) to have sexual intercourse. Success rate is very low, so not advised.
2. It may also be offered as first-line where donor sperm is required such as to single women, same-sex couples or couples with severe male-factor problems. Success rate is 15% per cycle (Donor IUI suggested).
3. Mild male factor, Mild Endometriosis, PCO.