Assisted Insemination, referred to as Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), is a procedure where your partner’s sperm is placed in your uterus at the time of ovulation. As only 0.1% of sperm traverses the cerviacle mucous following intercourse, IUI is a significant advantage if your partner has a low sperm count or low mobility as the sperm are deposited at the top of your uterus nearer to the egg.
This treatment has several different drug options. Your Doctor will suggest the most appropriate treatment for you. IUI treatment requires blood tests and ultrasound scans to predict ovulation and timing of insemination.
An IUI is performed by threading a very thin flexible catheter through the cervix and injecting washed sperm directly into the uterus. The whole process does not take very long – it usually only requires the insertion of a speculum and then the catheter, a process that may take a couple of minutes.
Most women consider IUI to be fairly painless – along the same lines as having a pap smear. There can be some cramping afterward, but often what is felt is ovulation-related rather than from the IUI. The catheter usually does not feel like much since the cervix is already slightly open for ovulation.
If you have any questions regarding Assisted Insemination, please have a chat with one of our Fertility Nurses on 08 8333 8111 or fill out the enquiry form below, and someone will be in touch.