Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

 

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) refers to the direct injection of prepared sperm into the uterus using a small plastic catheter. The catheter is inserted through the cervix and the sperm is injected at a time when the woman is near ovulation or when ovulation occurs.

 

This method is often performed for couples where the male partner has abnormal sperm characteristics, such as a low sperm count, weak sperm, or difficulty in reaching and fertilizing the egg due to issues with the cervix or the uterus.

 

Additionally, IUI is also performed in cases where the male partner is unable to release sperm into the female reproductive tract. This can be due to issues with sexual organs, such as problems with erection, premature ejaculation, or other medical conditions.

 

IUI increases the chances of pregnancy compared to natural conception because it allows for a higher concentration of healthy sperm to interact with the egg (the higher the sperm count, the greater the chance of successful fertilization).

 

For couples facing unexplained infertility, it has been found that:

 

IUI has twice the success rate of natural conception. When combined with ovulation-inducing oral medications, the chances increase threefold. When combined with controlled hyperstimulation using injected medications, the chances increase four to six times.

 

During IUI, sperm can be obtained from either the husband or a sperm donor. If using sperm from the husband, sexual intercourse is usually avoided for 2-4 days prior to the scheduled insemination (ovulation day).

 

The procedure involves collecting semen from the male partner through self-assistance. The sperm is then washed and separated from the seminal fluid, selecting only the strong and healthy sperm. These selected sperm are placed into a small plastic catheter, which is inserted through the cervix directly into the uterus. The sperm is released into the uterus to naturally seek out the egg.

 

The preparation of the sperm takes approximately 1-2 hours, while the actual insemination procedure only takes a few minutes. The cost of the procedure is not excessively high (typically in the low thousands). It is not painful, and once completed, the individual can resume normal activities without the need for hospitalization or recovery time. If pregnancy does not occur after the first insemination, it can be repeated in subsequent cycles.

 

Written by Dr. Teerasak Thamrongthirakul and the medical team at the Fertility and Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery Center, Vibhavadi Hospital.

 

 

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