IUI (Artificial Insemination)
IUI is a relatively straightforward fertility treatment that involves directly inserting concentrated, specially washed sperm into a woman’s uterus at the most fertile point in her cycle to increase the number of sperm that are able to reach and fertilise the egg.
How is IUI performed?
- The sperm is first concentrated in a centrifuge, and the remainder of the semen is discarded.
- The drop of fluid containing the concentrated, washed motile sperm is then loaded into a catheter which is passed through the cervix and millions of motile sperm are released into the uterus.
- The IUI procedure is short and involves minimal discomfort.
Benefits of IUI
- IUI is the most affordable form of assisted reproduction treatment
- IUI is a good option for single women and same sex couples who don’t have fertility issues but who need donor sperm
- There is no egg collection involved in IUI, meaning that there is no invasive procedure and sedation is not required