Fembryo Fertility & Gynaecology Clinic
AI & IUI
Artificial Insemination and Intrauterine Insemination are fertility treatments for certain cases of infertility.
AI & IUI
Artificial Insemination and Intra-Uterine Insemination (AI/IUI)
In the presence of a male factor (sub-fertile sperm), the female will undergo a stimulated monitored cycle. At the optimal time, the semen sample will be prepared by the laboratory and inserted via a thin catheter directly into the uterus. This procedure can be done either with your partner’s sperm or with donor sperm, where indicated.
This process is alternatively referred to as artificial insemination (AI).
It entails insemination of the prepared sperm sample at the time of ovulation in addition to superovulation (i.e., promoting the growth of more than one egg).
What Is AI/IUI?
If you are thinking about the IUI route, an in-depth consultation with your fertility doctor is advised because it’s crucial to first determine the potential cause(s) of infertility.
A sperm test will also be prescribed for the male partner. The fertility specialist will then go over your treatment strategy in great detail with you. Our fertility sister will also talk to you about the stimulant medication.
A few sonar scans with your fertility doctor are part of each IUI treatment cycle, and you might need to get particular blood tests. This is required to establish your day of ovulation and to track the development of the follicles (which contain the eggs).
After that, the insemination day will be arranged accordingly. The male partner must give the lab a sample of his semen on the day of insemination.
It’s best to abstain from sex for three days. In order to obtain an ideal sperm sample with optimized sperm properties (such as concentration and motility) that will ultimately optimize fertilising potential, the semen is prepared in the lab.
The process & what to expect
The procedure will be performed as part of a stimulation “cycle” (see ovulation induction for more information). This is to ensure that the insemination is performed at the right time. The prepared sperm sample will be inseminated into the female partner at the doctor’s rooms. The AI process is comparable to a standard gynecological checkup for a Pap smear.
Normally, the pregnancy test is done 12 days following the AI procedure. The most accurate test is a blood beta-hCG test. Although less reliable, a home pregnancy test can be performed 15 days following the AI. As soon as we have your test results, we will get in touch with you.
Is AI/IUI right for you?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)/(AI) is advised In the following circumstances:
The female partner suffers from:
- Low-grade endometriosis
- Unexplained Infertility
- Irregular cycles of menstruation
- Anovulation – not ovulating
AND/OR Male partner factors are involved:
- Mild Male Factor Sexual Dysfunction (e.g. Premature Ejaculation)
- Frozen Sperm (e.g. If the husband is not available on the day of insemination or if donor sperm is used.)
How far in advance of the IUI does the sperm collection take place?
Ejaculating into a sterile collection cup is typically how the sample is obtained. If one lives close enough, the sample can be taken at home because we want the semen to be delivered within 30 minutes of ejaculation, roughly at the moment of liquefaction.
The process of insemination takes some time after the semen sample is dropped off for washing. The time required varies depending on the washing method employed, which might take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours.
What time of the cycle is ideal for an IUI?
The IUIs are typically performed about 24-36 hours after the trigger injection is administered or within 24 hours of your own LH peak.
What does an IUI feel like?
Similar to getting a pap smear, most women find IUI to be pretty painless. Although there may be some post-IUI cramping, this is usually due to ovulation rather than the IUI.
Should I lie down after an IUI?
After around 10 minutes of lying down, you can resume your regular activities.
Do I need to take it easy after an IUI?
While most individuals don’t need to, it makes sense to ease up for a short while if you experienced cramping or didn’t feel well. In an effort to boost the probability of implantation, some people cut back on their cardiovascular exercise and heavy lifting during the luteal period. Given that IVF is a more invasive procedure, it is more crucial to ease back into things for a while.
How long before an IUI should the male refrain from sexual activity/ejaculating and store up sperm?
Two to five days of abstinence are advised.
How long before an IUI should the male refrain from sexual activity/ejaculating and store up sperm?
Two days of abstinence are advised.
How soon may I engage in sexual activity following an IUI?
After an IUI, you can typically have sex whenever you want.
When it is possible, most doctors advise intercourse soon after the last IUI to ensure that ovulation is covered.
If you experienced any bleeding during the IUI, your doctor could advise waiting 48 hours before starting up again.
Can the sperm fall out?
After being injected into the uterus, the sperm does not come out. However, because the catheter allows mucus in the cervix to soften and flow out, there may be an increase in wetness after the treatment.
Should I try IUIs before IVF and how many should I try?
It depends on your financial situation and the medications you are taking. Before thinking about IVF, we advise not going over three IUI cycles.
Is bleeding typical after an IUI?
Though it doesn’t frequently occur, it is not unheard of. It may indicate slight trauma to the cervix and minor bleeding can also be associated with ovulation.
