Intra-uterine insemination

Intra-uterine insemination is the least invasive, least expensive and has the lowest complication rates of all the fertility treatments. It has a success rate of about 10% and involves placing a sample of sperm inside the woman’s uterus. This increases the chances of conceiving as the sperm doesn’t have to travel very far to reach the egg.

Intra-uterine insemination is usually the first technique used in treating couples with unexplained infertility. The procedure is carried out as follows:

• The male is required to produce a sperm sample and bring it to the clinic. The sperm is washed and separated from the semen and then injected into the Uterus using a fine catheter (fine hollow tube).

• This technique is offered on a natural and stimulated cycle. With the simulated cycle, hormones are injected in to the woman in order to mature the eggs.

• Pregnancy can be achieved as soon as 2 weeks after the procedure began.

What are the risks: IUI:

• Multiple pregnancy.
• Infection.

Indications for treatment: IUI:

• Unexplained infertility.
• Ejaculatory failure.
• Retrograde ejaculation (sperm travels back into penis)
• Immunological: Anti sperm antibodies: Your own immune cells fight against your normal healthy sperm.

Price guide: IUI:

UK: £550 - £1500.
US: $1200 - $3500.

Prices vary greatly depending on what tests and medication you are required to have.

‘This information is intended as a guide only and should not be used as a substitute for medical information from your own doctor’