For many couples, conception can be a challenging process, and when natural methods don’t result in pregnancy, exploring fertility treatments becomes a key step. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one such treatment that has helped countless couples worldwide overcome fertility challenges. By directly introducing sperm into the uterus at the most optimal time during ovulation, IUI increases the likelihood of fertilisation, offering a more targeted approach to conception. At the London IVF and Genetics Centre, we offer IUI fertility treatment to help couples increase their chances of pregnancy. In this post, we’ll explain how IUI works and how it can support couples facing challenges in conceiving.
What is IUI?
IUI is a relatively simple fertility treatment designed to increase the chances of conception. This procedure involves placing washed sperm from a partner or donor directly into the uterus, closer to where the egg is located. By depositing a higher concentration of healthy, motile sperm near the egg, IUI enhances the chances of fertilisation. While the IUI process may initially seem daunting, we strive to make it as straightforward and clear for future parents as possible. Below, we explain some of the key steps involved in our IUI process so that you can understand how it works and what to expect along the way.
Consultation
The first step in the IUI process is an initial consultation with one of our fertility specialists. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your goals for parenthood, your current difficulties with conception, and any medical history that may be relevant. Whether you’re trying to conceive with a male partner or planning to use donor sperm as a single person, we will tailor an individualised treatment plan that is best suited to your specific needs.
Pre Procedure Testing and Scans
Before proceeding with the IUI treatment, we’ll conduct any necessary fertility tests to ensure that IUI is the right option for you. This might include blood tests, ultrasounds, and semen analysis. If needed, we may recommend fertility medications to stimulate ovulation, as this can help time the IUI procedure to coincide with the release of the egg.
Collection of Semen Sample
On the day of the IUI procedure, if you’re using your partner’s sperm, they will be asked to produce a semen sample. This sample is then ‘washed’ to concentrate healthy, motile sperm, removing any dead or slow moving sperm and other substances that might interfere with fertilisation. If you are using donor sperm, the sample will already be prepared and ready for the procedure.
Placement of Sperm
A few hours after the semen sample is prepared, the IUI procedure itself takes place. This is a minor, outpatient procedure that usually takes only a few minutes. During the procedure, a speculum is used, similar to a Pap smear, to access the uterus. The washed sperm are placed into a thin, flexible plastic catheter, which is then gently inserted into the uterus. After the sperm are placed, you’ll be advised to continue with any prescribed fertility medications if they are part of your treatment plan.
Post IUI Procedure
After the IUI procedure, you’ll wait for approximately a few weeks (as advised by your consultant) before taking a pregnancy test to determine whether the treatment has been successful. If the IUI treatment results in a pregnancy, we will guide you through the next steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
If it isn’t successful, we’ll schedule a follow up consultation to discuss advanced fertility treatments or further testing. We work closely with all our patients throughout the process, offering support, guidance, and expert care at every stage of your journey.
Who Can Benefit from IUI?
IUI is a versatile fertility treatment that can benefit a number of individuals and couples including the below;
Couples with sexual dysfunction
Some couples may be faced with erectile dysfunction or vaginismus that may require help with less invasive treatments like IUI. By placing the sperm in the womb, such problems can be easily overcome, without having to go through IVF treatment.
Couples with Mild Male Infertility Issues
IUI is often recommended for couples dealing with mild male infertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility. By placing a higher concentration of healthy sperm directly into the uterus, IUI helps overcome challenges that may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The washing process also ensures that only the best quality sperm are used, further increasing the chances of successful fertilisation.
Couples with Unexplained Infertility
For some couples, despite regular ovulation and healthy sperm, conception remains elusive, and no clear cause of infertility is identified. This is known as unexplained infertility. IUI can offer these couples a better chance of pregnancy by improving the chances that sperm and egg will meet at the right time, boosting the likelihood of conception without more invasive treatments like IVF.
Women or Same Sex Couples Using Donor Sperm
For single women or same sex couples looking to conceive, IUI is a common and effective option when using donor sperm. The sperm is carefully selected, washed, and placed directly into the uterus to maximise the chances of fertilisation. IUI offers a straightforward and less costly path to parenthood for those who require donor sperm to conceive.
Couples with Cervical Factor Infertility
Some women may have cervical mucus that is either too thick or too hostile for sperm to travel through naturally, making conception difficult. IUI bypasses the cervix entirely, delivering sperm directly into the uterus and overcoming this barrier to conception.
IUI at London IVF and Genetics Centre
We understand how challenging and emotionally frustrating it can be when conception doesn’t happen as expected and we offer a range of tailored fertility treatments to support both individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
We work closely with you to develop a personalised fertility treatment plan, carefully evaluating whether IUI is the most suitable option for your needs or if a more advanced fertility treatment would be a better choice. During the process, we offer comprehensive clinical and emotional support, guiding you and ensuring you remain fully informed at every stage of your treatment.
With clinics located centrally on Harley Street in London and at Hilltops Medical Centre in Milton Keynes, we offer flexibility and convenience. To learn more about our IUI treatment and how it could benefit you, please contact us today. We will provide you with detailed information regarding our treatments, and arrange a free consultation with one of our fertility specialists.
