Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination or IUI means the injection of washed sperm into the uterine cavity and is one of the methods of assisted reproduction. This process increases the likelihood of the egg coming into contact with the sperm in the uterine environment and increases the chance of pregnancy. IUI is a very simple method that has been widely used in the treatment of infertility.

 How is IUI performed?

 This method is relatively simple and painless and is performed under the supervision of a doctor, without anesthesia. In this method, the semen is usually washed in a special way and then the washed sperm is poured into the woman's uterus through the vagina using a thin tube (catheter).

In this method, with the aim of increasing the chances of pregnancy, the number of eggs released in the relevant cycle is increased to two or four eggs by taking ovarian stimulating drugs. For this purpose, ovarian stimulating drugs should be taken at the right dose and at the right time, as prescribed by the treating physician. After examining the condition of the ovaries with ultrasound and observing the follicles and ensuring that the condition is normal, an injection of a fertility drug (HCG) is performed to stimulate ovulation.

Usually, IUI is performed about 36 to 48 hours after the HCG injection. However, sometimes, depending on the doctor's opinion and the existing conditions, IUI is performed twice, one day apart, to increase the success rate. After determining the exact time for the IUI procedure and informing the couple, the man should deliver his sperm sample to the laboratory on the morning of the scheduled procedure after two to five days of abstinence from intercourse and ejaculation. The sperm sample should be collected by masturbation or using special condoms without spermicides in a sterile container provided to the man by the laboratory. The sample should be fresh and, if possible, prepared on site at the laboratory. The sperm sample is separated from the semen in the laboratory by washing with special substances and is prepared for injection.