Fertility what is iui

Over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits can be used to determine when the woman is ovulating. The sperm is placed higher into the uterine cavity so it bypasses the cervix, making the trip through the fallopian tubes shorter. This increases the number of sperm that has a chance of meeting the egg.

Before the fertilization can take place, the woman takes fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries to assist in successful egg retrieval. The egg retrieval is performed under sedation and insemination is performed the same day. After the fertilization, the embryo is monitored carefully to determine when transfer to the uterus should be made.

Intra uterine insemination IUI IUI is the next step up from Clomiphene and Letrozole, and it can be used for quite a wide range of causes of infertility. IUI cycles typically involve: Some blood tests ultrasound scans Injections, which people usually give themselves at home.

IUI, problems, risks and solutions There aren't any tests to predict the right dose of clomiphene for a particular woman having IUI treatments. Back up sperm If you or your partner are concerned about producing a semen sample on the day of IUI or IVF treatment or that you might be away, we can usually freeze a back-up sample.

Stimulation The woman is given medications to stimulate development of multiple eggs at the beginning of her cycle. The sperm is separated from the other components of the semen and concentrated in a small volume. Insemination On the day of the procedure, when ovulation is imminent, a speculum is placed in the vagina and the cervical area is gently cleaned.

The washed specimen of highly motile sperm is placed either in the uterus using a sterile, flexible catheter. There should be little or no discomfort.

We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have so that you feel completely confident when taking the first step toward building your family.

The sperm is frozen whether it's from someone you know, or from a registered and licensed sperm bank. Choosing to use donated sperm can be a difficult decision, and you should be offered counselling before you go ahead. There are many different factors involved, so it's best to talk to your fertility team about your individual chances of success. Some women have mild cramps similar to period pains, but otherwise the risks involved with IUI are minimal.

If you have fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation, there is a small risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Read more about this condition on our page about the risks of IVF. There's also a chance that you will have more than 1 baby, which has additional risks for both you and your babies. Page last reviewed: 10 March Next review due: 10 March Intrauterine insemination IUI. You may be offered IUI if: you're unable to have vaginal sex — for example, because of a physical disability or psychosexual problem you have a condition that means you need specific help to conceive.

For example, if 1 of you has HIV and it's not safe to have unprotected sex you're in a same-sex relationship and have not become pregnant after up to 6 cycles of IUI using donor sperm from a licensed fertility unit the Stonewall website has more information about IUI for same-sex couples Bear in mind that the waiting list for IUI treatment on the NHS can be very long in some areas.