IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) or Artificial Insemination is a process in which the semen sample is prepared in the laboratory to separate fast-moving, best quality sperm from more sluggish or non-moving sperm. This best quality processed sperm sample is then directly introduced into the uterus via a thin catheter around the time of ovulation. The sperm travels to the woman’s fallopian tube where it penetrates the egg and fertilizes it to form an embryo. This embryo travels to the womb and gets implanted there, thus IUI increases the likelihood of pregnancy. If you have tried up to 6 months with timed intercourse & ovulation induction, still struggling to conceive or have polycystic ovaries or mild endometriosis or have a sub-optimal semen analysis with slightly low sperm counts, reduced sperm motility or if there is an element of sexual dysfunction, IUI is the way forward. Details :
What is meant by IUI?
IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) is the commonest method of artificial insemination. It is a simple and safe assisted conception treatment modality overcoming the natural barriers to the passage of the sperms from the vagina to the fallopian tubes. A prepared semen sample with adequate numbers of motile, normal sperms suspended in a nutrient medium are directly placed in the uterine cavity, around the predicted time of ovulation hoping to facilitate conception.
Who may benefit from IUI?
- Impaired semen quality, where the semen sample has slightly low counts or motility or mild degree of abnormal sperms, where we do not need to rush to IVF( Mild male factor infertility)
- Sexual problems in the male like impotence or premature ejaculation/ retrograde ejaculation/ Sexual dysfunction or unconsummated relationships
- Conditions where the cervix is hostile and thereby destroys the sperms, as evidenced by certain tests.