Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) involves the deposit of prepared sperm into the uterine cavity via a thin, flexible catheter that is passed through the cervix.
There are different types of IUI that are undertaken at CRGH and your consultant will discuss your options fully at consultation. These include:-
The Procedure
This procedure is minimally invasive and generally causes no more discomfort than a cervical or PAP smear.
We recommend that patients undergo the procedure with a partially full bladder as this helps to straighten out the natural angle that occurs between the cervix and the uterus in the majority of the population.
A speculum will be used to locate the cervix. Once the cervix has been located a thin, flexible catheter will be passed through the cervix into the middle of the uterine cavity.
Provided there are no obstacles to the passing of this catheter the sperm is then loaded into the catheter and released into the uterine cavity.
We recommend a rest period of approximately five minutes. There are no restrictions placed on IUI treatments and patients are free to carry out their daily activities normally.
We recommend that, where able, patients should have sexual intercourse approximately 24-36 hours later.
A urine pregnancy test is conducted sixteen (16) days later.
This treatment involves tracking the growth of the follicle/s by ultrasound scan, starting from approximately day ten (10) of the cycle depending on average cycle length.
The ultrasound scans are combined with home ovulation predictor kits.
Once the follicle/s have reached an appropriate size and if there has been no positive ovulation surge detected an injection of HCG (Pregnyl) will be administered to induce ovulation.
The procedure will then occur the following day prior to ovulation commencing.
It is important to be aware that a positive ovulation does not mean that you are currently ovulating. It means that your Lutenising Hormone (LH) is increasing indicating that ovulation will occur within the next twenty-four to forty hours.
This treatment involves taking Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) tablets in conjuction with the IUI procedure.
Clomid is a tablet that works by increasing the amount and length of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) production to stimulate follicle growth. These tablets are taken in the evening at the beginning of the cycle.
Follicular tracking scans are then undertaken from approximately day ten (10) of the cycle. The ultrasound scans are combined with home ovulation predictor kits.
Once the follicle/s have reached an appropriate size and if there has been no positive ovulation surge detected an injection of HCG (Pregnyl) will be administered to induce ovulation.
The procedure will then occur the following day prior to ovulation commencing.
It is important to be aware that a positive ovulation does not mean that you are currently ovulating. It means that your Lutenising Hormone (LH) is increasing indicating that ovulation will occur usually within the next twenty-four hours.
This treatment uses Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) administered via subcutaneous injection.
An ultrasound scan is undertaken on day 1, 2, 3 or 4 of the period (Weekdays only) to determine if there are any cysts present on the ovaries.
If the ovaries are clear and the endometrium is thin you will see a nurse to learn self-injection. These injections are administered on alternate days. Most patients will have two doses of FSH before returning for a scan to track follicular growth. Subsequent scans are then decided on.
Once the follicle/s have reached an appropriate size an injection of HCG (Pregnyl) will be administered to induce ovulation.
The IUI procedure will then occur the following day prior to ovulation.
This treatment is most often utilised for patients who have PCOS and irregular periods who are most likely not ovulating regularly. An ultrasound scan is performed to assess whether the endometrium is thin and the ovaries are clear of cysts.
Then a low dose Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is administered via subcutaneous injection on a daily basis. The first ultrasound scan is usually performed after seven (7) days with subsequent scans then being decided on.
Once the follicle/s have reached an appropriate size an injection of HCG (Pregnyl) will be administered to induce ovulation.
The IUI procedure will then occur the following day prior to ovulation.
