Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What IUI is, and what the process entails

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a technique to help a mother achieve pregnancy. With IUI, the sperm does not have to go through the cervix, making it quicker for the sperm cell to fertilize the egg. With this technique, the father’s sperm will be selected in the lab, and through the help of a specialized tube, they will be inserted directly into the woman’s womb.

IUI Procedure

Setting up a consultation

General check-up

For the mother

Abdominal and transvaginal USG
Hysterosalpingography*

For the father

Sperm analysis

*) If certain indications are found.

Second Day of Period

Beginning the IUI Procedure

Submitting the identity documents of the father and the mother
Submitting the official marriage certificate
Signing the informed consent form
USG
Egg cell stimulation

Seventh Day of Period

Progress check

USG
Consulting the doctor

Tenth Day of Period

Progress check & maturing the egg

USG
Consulting the doctor
Injection of egg cell maturation agents*

*) If certain indications are found.

Twelfth Day of Period

Insemination

Sperm pick-up
Insemination

Twenty Seventh Day of Period

Pregnancy check

For the mother: Pregnancy check to see whether the embryo grows to be a fetus.

FAQ

When is it recommended that I take IUI?

Before choosing a pregnancy assistance program, it's recommended to consult a fertility consultant doctor. The following are a few indications that a father or mother may need to take IUI, such as:

For the father: Slight disorder in sperm amount/shape/movement.

For the mother: Cervical fluids less than ideal for sperm, damage on cervical tissues, allergy of semen proteins, early infertility therapy for endometriosis, early infertility therapy for disorders in ovulation/egg cell maturation, or early infertility therapy for unclear causes.

What is the success rate of IUI?

There is a relatively large variance in the success rates for IUI. Some people need to attempt IUI more than once until they succeeded. Several factors come into play, such as the age of the mother, the quality of the egg cells or the sperm cells, heavy inflammation on the surface of the womb, and disorders on the fallopian tubes. In 2017, it was reported that the worldwide average success rate of a single IUI procedure is approximately 8.6%.

Can I select my baby's birth sex with IUI?

There is a window for sex selection through IUI. During the cleanup and selection of sperm cells, characteristics for males or females can be selected. However, note that there are terms and conditions to this; feel free to discuss with our doctors regarding your options for birth sex selection.

What are the risks and side effects of IUI?

Although the risks were relatively low, things may still happen that are unexpected, such as:

Twin pregnancy: Though some couples may find twins to be a blessing, twin pregnancy is not a normal condition. Twin pregnancies have greater risks during pregnancy, and the accompanying chance of premature birth is also higher.
Infection: The risk for infection in IUI is very low. For the large majority of cases, infection risks can be suppressed through medical asepsis and proper sterilization.
Spotting: Occasionally, the insertion of sperm into the womb through a small tube may cause slight bleeding on the vagina, which is called spotting. This usually does not influence the success of the program.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): The stimulation of egg cells during procedure will cause heightened egg follicles production, which may cause the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen of the mother. However, with the ever-increasing progress of USG technology, this condition can be more quickly anticipated by the doctors.
Miscarriage: Even after confirmation of pregnancy through IVF program, miscarriage can still occur, a risk which is also present with normal pregnancy.