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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 may be recommended for various reasons including
Unexplained infertility: If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a while without success, and no clear cause of infertility has been identified, IUI may be considered as an initial treatment option.
Male factor infertility: If your partner has a low sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or other mild sperm abnormalities, IUI can be used to bypass some of the natural barriers to sperm reaching the egg, improving the chances of fertilisation.
Donor sperm: IUI is commonly used for couples or individuals who require donor sperm to conceive. In such cases, frozen donor sperm is used for insemination.
The process of IUI involves several steps:
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.
The sperm sample, from the donor, will be collected and processed in the Sperm preparation 2
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. Note:
A pregnancy test is performed a couple of weeks after to determine the success of the procedure.
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 activities nor follow any special restrictions. 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.
To assess your suitability for this treatment we will perform some testing. Tests will vary from patient to patient but some of the commonly recommended tests are as follows:
AMH & fertility hormone blood tests - Female
Rubella Immunity - Female
When you are ready to start treatment, you will meet with one of our nurses who will explain all stages of an IUI cycle to you. They will also show you how to use your prescribed medication.
These medications will:
- Stimulate follicular growth
- Control and induce ovulation
- Build up the lining of the womb to receive the embryo
- Maintain the lining of the womb to support a successfully implanted embryo
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 is 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. From ReproMed’s most recent audit of IUI treatment cycles our success rate for IUI is: 18.7% with a multiple birth rate of 1%
Will I have side effects from medications?
Very few patients experience side effects, but you may experience mood swings or headaches.
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.
What is required of my partner prior to IUI?
Prior to the IUI, your partner will require a semen analysis to ensure that the quality is suitable and a blood test to screen for blood- borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis.
If my partner’s sperm count is normal is an IUI worthwhile?
Yes, by stimulating the ovaries, but mainly by delivering the sperm sample inside
the uterus, we improve the likelihood of sperm and egg meeting in the natural environment of the fallopian tubes
Should my partner abstain from intercourse/ejaculation before the IUI?
The recommendation is to have no more than 5 days of abstinence prior to producing the sample for IUI. If it will have been more than this, it is better to ejaculate before giving the sample.
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.
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 approximately 16mm, hCG may be advised
Studies recommend that ideally an IUI should be performed between 12 and 36 hours after your trigger medication.
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 although this will only prolong the time of the IUI by a few minutes and make it slightly uncomfortable. Our team has experienced professionals that will talk you through the procedure and make it as comfortable as possible.
Do I take pain medication 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, any common pain relief medication can be used.
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. You are very welcome to stay if you wish for emotional reasons.
Following my IUI will I need to take a few days off work or reduce normal routine activities?
It is not necessary at all, however if you experience cramping or nausea, some rest would be advised. Although we do encourage living your normal lifestyle during these treatments.
Can I have intercourse after an IUI?
Most doctors suggest having intercourse, when that is an option, after the IUI to help make sure the time ovulation is covered.
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
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 begins.
What happens if my IUI cycle is cancelled ?
If your 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 your consultation your doctor will discuss your chances of achieving a pregnancy, based on your own individual case.
Initial Consultation - €200
Female Diagnostics
Saline Infusion Sonogram - €420 Assessment Blood Tests - €155 - €330
Male Diagnostics Semen Analysis - €150 Viral Screens - €175
Fertility Implications Counselling - €120
Medication - €80
(Per month with DPS)
IUI Treatment Cycle - €990
(Includes 3 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.
Cancellation: If your cycle is cancelled, €160 is retained from your treatment cycle costs.
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 cost €160.
These costs apply per cycle.
If you are a Vhi member, you may be eligible for cost reduction depending on your plan, a member of the support team will be able to advise you of your benefits.
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