Fertility treatments
IUI (Intrauterine insemination)
What is IUI?
IUI is an assisted conception technique which involves the placement of prepared sperm into your womb at the time of ovulation (release of eggs).
IUI can improve your chances of becoming pregnant
How does it work?
Firstly, your ovaries are gently stimulated by self-administered hormone injections. At Bourn Hall, we show you how to do your injections and answer any questions you may have. The hormone dosage is tailored to you according to age and if applicable, previous response to ovary stimulation.
Your progress will be monitored with ultrasound scans. We’ll track the number and size of follicles on your ovaries. We’ll also monitor the thickness of the endometrium (lining of your womb).
Once the follicles reach optimum size, you have the ‘trigger shot’ injection which induces ovulation (release of eggs).
Approx 36-48 hours after the ‘trigger shot’ injection, IUI is performed in the clinic.
The IUI procedure is swift and relatively comfortable. Therefore, it does not require sedation or pain relief. It involves a medical practitioner inserting a small plastic instrument (called a speculum) through the vagina (birth canal) and passing a small straw (catheter) through the neck of the womb and releasing sperm into the womb. The procedure only takes a few minutes.
You will be given some vaginal suppositories containing progesterone to be used daily. These support your womb environment so that it’s ready for pregnancy.
A pregnancy test is taken two weeks after IUI.
Who is IUI for?
IUI may be appropriate for women who:
Have unexplained subfertility
Have mild endometriosis
IUI is also ideal for couples who:
Are experiencing difficulties with intercourse
Are experiencing mild male factor fertility issues
IUI is not recommended in cases of severe male factor infertility, women over age 35 and for women who have severe endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes.
