Donor Sperm IUI

What is donor IUI?

IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It is a fertility treatment procedure in which sperm is placed directly into a woman's uterus during her fertile window, typically around the time of ovulation. The goal of IUI is to increase the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes and fertilising an egg,

thereby increasing the likelihood of pregnancy.

IUI is commonly used for couples or individuals who require donor sperm to conceive. In such cases, frozen donor sperm is used for insemination.

To assess your suitability for this treatment we will perform some testing. These tests will vary from patient to patient but some of the tests commonly recommended are as follows:

Note:

AMH & fertility hormone blood tests - Female

Rubella ImmunityFemale

SIS/HyFoSy - Female

Semen Analysis - Male

This is not an exhaustive list and depending on your particular case, more, less, or different testing may be indicated.

*The type and strength of prescribed drugs vary depending on the individual and their treatment plan.

The process of IUI involves several steps:

1

Ovulation stimulation

We normally give patients some ovarian stimulation medication in this phase. The idea will be to accomplish the growth of 1 or 2 follicles that will be closely monitored and then ovulation will be triggered at a specific time when these have reached maturity.

Sperm preparation 2

The sperm sample, from the donor, will be collected and processed in the laboratory. The semen is washed and concentrated to obtain a high-quality sample.

During your ovulation window, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The prepared sperm is then injected into the uterus through the catheter.

activities nor follow any special restric tions. There is no difference between a pregnancy through IUI or a natural pregnancy. The only difference will be the use of progesterone medication that we will explain how, at what time and until when to use it for.

Counselling

Counselling is required for all patients engaging in donor treatment, this is mandatory implications counselling provided by ReproMed affiliated coun sellors. The purpose is to gain a better understanding of the 2015 Children and Family Relationships Act which considers the legal relationship of children born from donated gametes. Further details can be found on the following site: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/WP15000315

The day of the procedure and until the day of the pregnancy test you can carry out with your normal life activities. There is no need to reduce your physical

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

IUI is a clinic based procedure involving the laboratory preparation of semen for the best concentration of motile sperm cells. In conjunction with stimulated and controlled ovulation using fertility drugs, the prepared sperm are inserted directly through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, using a thin plastic tube called a catheter. This improves the chances of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg in the fallopian tube, by-passing barriers such as hostile cervical mucus.

What are the risks involved in IUI?

In ReproMed we closely follow guidelines and carefully assess each case to minimise the risks of multiple pregnancies.

What is the success rate for IUI?

Overall success rates range from 15-20% per cycle, factors which influence success are female age, sperm quality and quantity, and the number of mature follicles present.

Will I have side effects from medications?

Very few patients experience side effects, but you may experience mood swings or headaches.

How do I order Donor Sperm?

At ReproMed we order sperm from the following two sperm banks:

- Cryos International Ltd

- European Sperm Bank

Both of these are based in Denmark and they have a substantial number of donors to choose from.

Please review our information leaflet PI-096 for more guidance on how to order your donor.

How do I know the donor sperm does not carry any infections/diseases?

Donors are screened under EU regulations called the Tissue and Cell Directive and regulations are complied with throughout the donor selection process. Donor banks are maintained to a very high standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of monitoring is usually done for an IUI cycle?

Follicle tracking and ultrasound scans during your cycle will track follicle growth and help us determine when to perform the IUI.

Are the ultrasound scans external/ abdominal?

No, they are transvaginal and they monitor the ovarian follicles in which your eggs mature.

When is day 1 of my cycle?

Day 1 is the first day of a full flow bleed on your monthly period (not spotting) and if your period arrives after 5 pm count the following day as day 1.

At what size are follicles considered mature?

During your cycle the developing follicles will be monitored by ultrasound. When a dominant follicle is expected to be approx. 16mm, hCG may be advised (Ovitrelle) in order to trigger rupture of the follicle(s) and release the egg(s)

What happens if I do not have suitably mature follicles in time for a scheduled IUI?

If the ovaries are not responding to stimulation as determined by ultrasound scans - your treatment will be cancelled and postponed to a later cycle following a review of medication and dosage.

When is the best time to perform an IUI?

Studies recommend that ideally an IUI should be performed between 12 and 36 hours after your trigger medication.

What if I ovulate before the day of my IUI?

As your follicles are monitored using ultrasound scans and ovulation is controlled using medications, this is unlikely to happen.

Can you describe what an IUI feels like?

An IUI is similar to a smear test and is fairly painless with some minor cramping afterwards. However, the cervical anatomy can vary in different patients and some IUIs may prove more difficult than others. Our team has experienced professionals that will talk you through the procedure and make it as comfortable as possible.

Can I take pain medications before or after the procedure?

Most women don't need medication for pain associated with IUI. If there is cramping you can use any pain medication as a one off situation, and any common pain relief medication can be used.

How many IUIs should I try before moving on to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?

This is a very individual question and will be discussed between you and your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bleeding common after an IUI?

Bleeding may occur due to the navigation of the catheter through the cervix in reaching the uterus, however light bleeding is also common in some women at the time of ovulation.

Following an IUI do you recommend lying down?

There is no need to rest or lie down after an insemination. However, you are welcome to stay if you so wish though for emotional reasons.

Following my IUI will I need to take a few days off work/ normal routine activities?

It is not necessary at all, however if you experience cramping or nausea, a period of rest would be advised. Although we do encourage living a normal lifestyle during these treatments.

Can I have intercourse after an IUI?

Yes, intercourse will not affect your chances of success.

Do I stop taking the progesterone support if my period arrives?

If your doctor has prescribed these medications (not in all cases) then yes, once you do a urine pregnancy test which is negative and once your period arrives you can cease application of these.

I have had a positive pregnancy test but I am experiencing cramping – should I be concerned?

Cramping is often experienced in early pregnancy and is considered just one of the side effects of the pregnancy, so try not to worry. An early pregnancy scan will determine if the pregnancy is viable. This can be carried out from about 6 -7 weeks after your cycle began.

What happens if my IUI cycle is cancelled?

If your IUI cycle is cancelled, our administration team will be in touch with you with an account update and to organise a review consultation with your doctor if needed.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the purpose of above information is to provide an overview of your treatment option the outcome of your treatment will depend on a number of factors. At consultation the fertility healthcare provider will discuss your chances of achieving a pregnancy, based on your own individual case.

Expected Costs

Initial Consultation - €200

Female Diagnostics

Donor Sperm - from €600

Saline Infusion Sonogram - €420

Assessment Blood Tests from €155

Fertility/Implications Counselling - €120

Medication - €80 (Per month with DPS)

IUI Treatment Cycle - €990

(Includes 3 treatment cycle scans)

Beta hCG Pregnancy Test - Free of Charge

Early Pregnancy Scan - €160

Please Note: These are typical costs but may not be entirely reflective of what you may need. Each patient is individually assessed and appropriate tests ordered at consultation stage.

IUI Refunds

If your cycle is cancelled, €160 is retained from your treatment cycle costs.

Important to Note

Your full payment is due before your nurse consultation or initial scan, whichever comes first.

The cycle cost includes up to 3 cycle monitoring scans (per IUI Treatment cycle), IUI procedure and BHCG pregnancy test.

If more than 3 scans are required during the cycle, the additional scans will incur a charge. Each additional scan costs €160.

These costs apply per cycle.

If you are a VHI member, you may be eligible for reduction of costs depending on your plan. A member of the support team will be able to advise you of your benefits.

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concerns with the education of students during your treatment cycle, please inform one of our staff.