Intrauterine
insemination
Intrauterine
insemination
Definition
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an easy and simple technique that tends to be forgotten due to the excessive ease with which many women begin IVF.
Intrauterine insemination refers to the laboratory procedure. With this procedure the fertility specialist separates the rapidly moving sperm from the slower or non-mobile ones. Then he places it in the woman’s uterus near the time of ovulation.
Indications
Ovarian stimulation and induction of ovulation
This process is possible as a woman produces only one follicle – and therefore only one egg – in each natural menstrual cycle. By stimulating the ovaries, we increase the success rate. We always inform the couple that there is a chance of a twin pregnancy. Doctors also use it in patients with an abnormal cycle.
In addition, in order for the insemination to be successful, it is necessary that at least one of the 2 fallopian tubes is open and that the male sperm is good. This allows the specialists perfom the technique with good chances of success.
During treatment, the doctor performs the ultrasound and the amount of estradiol in the blood is determined to check for normal follicle growth.
When we see through ultrasound examinations that the follicles have reached a sufficient size and number, we schedule the insemination about 36 hours after the administration of an hCG injection. That causes ovarian maturation and ovulation.
Preparation of sperm
Sperm preparation consists of selecting and concentrating sperm with the best mobility. To achieve this, the samples are processed using manufacturing techniques. These techniques allow the elimination of dead, immobile or slow sperm and the optimization of the quality of the sample to be used for fertilization.
Insemination
Two hours earlier, the andrology laboratory receives a sperm sample for preparation and treatment. Then, they place the speculum through a thin catheter. Finally, they place the sample in the uterus.
