Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) / Artificial Insemination (AI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination (AI), is a process involving the transfer of washed and concentrated sperm (from either partner or donor) into the uterus, around the time of ovulation.
This increases the number of sperm that can reach the oocyte (egg) for fertilization, which takes place in the fallopian tubes. The IUI treatment is less invasive and has a lower cost, compared to IVF treatment.
An IUI is recommended in cases where:
- Male partner has a normal to moderate sperm count
- Fallopian tubes of the female partner are patent (open)
- Couples who need to use a sperm donor
- LGBT couples
- Single women
- Unexplained infertility
- Women who have a semen allergy
- Hostile cervical conditions
- Cervical scar tissue
The IUI process involves the following
In many cases, the woman takes medication to stimulate the production of egg-containing follicles and prepare her uterine lining.
The fertility specialist will use ultrasound to monitor follicle development and determine the ideal time for insemination.
The woman receives an injection of the hormone HCG at the right time, triggering ovulation.
An andrologist will prepare the partner’s or donor’s sperm in the laboratory. This involves separating healthy, motile sperm from non-motile sperm and other seminal cells and fluid using a washing technique.
The final sperm sample is inseminated into the uterus using a flexible catheter passed through the cervix.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) / Artificial Insemination (AI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination (AI), is a process involving the transfer of washed and concentrated sperm (from either partner or donor) into the uterus, around the time of ovulation.
This increases the number of sperm that can reach the oocyte (egg) for fertilization, which takes place in the fallopian tubes. The IUI treatment is less invasive and has a lower cost, compared to IVF treatment.
An IUI is recommended in cases where:
- Male partner has a normal to moderate sperm count
- Fallopian tubes of the female partner are patent (open)
- Couples who need to use a sperm donor
- LGBT couples
- Single women
- Unexplained infertility
- Women who have a semen allergy
- Hostile cervical conditions
- Cervical scar tissue
The IUI process involves the following
In many cases, the woman takes medication to stimulate the production of egg-containing follicles and prepare her uterine lining.
The fertility specialist will use ultrasound to monitor follicle development and determine the ideal time for insemination.
The woman receives an injection of the hormone HCG at the right time, triggering ovulation.
An andrologist will prepare the partner’s or donor’s sperm in the laboratory. This involves separating healthy, motile sperm from non-motile sperm and other seminal cells and fluid using a washing technique.
The final sperm sample is inseminated into the uterus using a flexible catheter passed through the cervix.
Dr Wynand E. van Tonder
Specialist Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Sub-specialist Reproductive Medicine
MB ChB (Stell) | FCOG (SA) | MMed O&G (UFS) | MRep Med (Valencia Spain) | MGyn Endo Surg (AITAS) | Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon (GESEA)
Contact us
Tel: +27 11 463 4833
Emergency: +27 11 321 0111
reception@drwynandvantonder.co.za
reception2@drwynandvantonder.co.za