Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This is a commonly used procedure for couples with mild male factor infertility or for couples with unexplained infertility. IUI increases the chances of achieving a pregnancy. IUI is best performed just prior to ovulation. Unless otherwise advised, you should refrain from sexual intercourse between the time of hCG injection and insemination. Your IUI sample should be produced into a sterile container labeled with your name.

Containers are available either from our centre or from your local pharmacy (ask for a sterile urine container). For couples where religious restrictions prohibit semen samples produced by masturbation, we may be able to provide a special collection condom. Wash your hands and genital area thoroughly prior to producing a sample. Keep the closed sterile container close to your body while transporting it. If it takes longer than 1 hour to travel from your home to our centre then we advise you to produce the semen sample at our centre. When you bring in your sample, it will be identified and analyzed. Thereafter, the semen sample is washed, and the best spermatozoa are isolated and mixed in a culture medium.

The sample is placed into a catheter and the catheter is then introduced into your uterus. The procedure for insemination is similar to a standard speculum examination. A speculum is introduced into the vagina and the neck of the womb (cervix) is visualized. An IUI catheter is then positioned through the cervix into the uterus and the semen sample is slowly injected into the womb. The procedure causes very little or no discomfort and takes a few minutes to perform. Patients are asked to rest for 5-10 minutes following this procedure. Following the insemination you can resume your normal activities immediately. Some mild cramping or spotting is not uncommon after this procedure.