Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) is the first and the least invasive treatment in assisted reproductive technology. This procedure mimics natural conception since the fertilization of the oocyte by spermatozoa happens in the female genital tract (fallopian tube).
The procedure can be applied and suggested:
- For cases with unexplained infertility
- When the woman has at least one fallopian tube open and healthy
- If the sperm does not seriously compromise man’s fertility
- For cases with sexual dysfunction that prevent the egg and sperm from meeting in the female genital tract
IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm, directly in the uterus through a special thin catheter, around the time of ovulation (the time an ovary releases one or more eggs). The hoped-for outcome is for the sperm and egg to unite in the fallopian tube and if this happens, it leads to pregnancy.
Homologous IUI
That is when the sperm comes from the woman’s spouse. Although pregnancy rates are historically low and usually multiple IUIs needed to have success, the treatment is preferred by women, because it is easy and well tolerated, it is less invasive, requiring little or no medication, and has a low cost compared to IVF.
IUI Heterologous
In this case the sperm belongs to a donor. It could be the main option in case of azoospermia, in the presence of serious diseases that can be genetically transmitted by the father, or for single women.