Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a less invasive way to assist conception and can be an effective treatment plan for younger couples with unexplained infertility.

IUI may help you as a couple if:

• Your partner has a low sperm count or low motility. This is when the sperm’s ability to move is impaired. But there must be enough healthy, motile sperm to make the treatment worthwhile. If not, IVF or ICSI may be more suitable.
• You are unable to have sex due to the reasons like disability, injury or if your partner experiences premature ejaculation.
• You have mild endometriosis.
• You or your partner’s fertility problems are unexplained.

IUI can work properly, if your fallopian tubes are open and healthy. To know about it, you   have to go through a tubal patency test. This can be done using laparoscopy, which is a form of keyhole surgery, or a hysterosalpingogram, which is a form of X-ray. These may locate any problems or blockages in your uterus or fallopian tubes.

IUI isn’t recommended if your tubes have adhesions or scarring that might stop an egg travelling from the ovary to your uterus. But with a single working tube and ovary on the same side, IUI may be an option for you.

The insemination itself is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. If you are having a stimulated cycle, you’ll need to take fertility drugs before you ovulate.

A cycle of IUI treatment costs $2,040, depending on the pre-treatment appointments, tests, medicine and the treatment itself. Medicare provide a rebate of up to $670.

• IUI appointments are scheduled in advance but Boston IVF is flexible with scheduling as a patient’s day of ovulation may be different than predicted. In general, an IUI is performed once or twice in a treatment cycle. Each IUI visit lasts about an hour (which includes waiting time) as sperm preparation may take 45 minutes or more.
• The male partner can produce the semen sample on site or it can be produced at home as long as it can be delivered to the Boston IVF andrology laboratory within an hour after it is produced. During transport the sample must be kept at body temperature.
• Upon arrival, the specimen will be analyzed and then prepared. This will take approximately 45 minutes.
• A speculum is inserted and a small plastic catheter (tube) is introduced through the cervix into the uterus. The sperm is then injected into the uterine cavity. This process takes only minutes and the patient may leave immediately after the procedure.