MyFertilityGuide

Artificial insemination is better known as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and is an assisted reproductive treatment (ART) often utilized by couple’s suffering from issues with infertility.

What is Intrauterine Insemination?

Intrauterine insemination is a procedure in which a doctor inserts sperm into the uterus through a catheter during ovulation. The chances of pregnancy are increased because the sperm avoids trauma that may occur during its progress to the egg and is instead placed directly where it needs to be for fertilization.

1. The male partner or sperm donor provides a sperm sample, on site, just a couple of hours before the procedure.
2. The sperm is washed in the laboratory, which means that the sperm and seminal fluid are separated and analyzed.
3. The procedure is performed by the insertion of a small catheter through the cervix into the uterus. The washed sperm is injected and the procedure is over in only a few minutes with little pain to the patient and no down time.

Why Choose Intrauterine Insemination?

Intrauterine insemination is usually the procedure of choice when the infertility issues center around problems with the sperm. These might include:

• Low sperm count
• Low sperm motility (or speed)
• Cervical rejection of sperm

The woman’s cervical mucus may not allow the sperm to pass through or may decrease the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg. Similarly, should the male partner suffer from erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or impotence, intrauterine insemination is a promising solution.

What Medications are Associated with Intrauterine Insemination?

Medications are often used in conjunction with intrauterine insemination to increase the chances for successful fertilization. The most common medications are fertility drugs. They include:

• Clomiphene Citrate – The brands, Clomid and Serophone are popularly prescribed for women who have irregular periods, no periods, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• Gonadotropins – The brand names are Repronex, Follistim, Bravelle, Pergonal, and GonalF. This is an injected hormone that stimulates mature egg release.
• Glucophage – The brand name is Metformil and it is commonly prescribed to women suffering from PCOS to reduce or eliminate related endocrine abnormalities.

Recommendations for Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination can be performed with a donor’s sperm or a partner’s sperm. A few recommendations can improve the chances for success:

• Avoid sexual intercourse for a few days prior to insemination
• Ovulation medication may be necessary
• Patience is essential. The procedure may need to be performed multiple times as pregnancy may not occur in the first cycle.