Intrauterine insemination, IUI (Semen Preparation)

Sample

• The husband’s semen is needed which can be directly inserted into the uterine cavity of a wife.

Indication (Candidate  for IUI)

1. This procedure is useful in a couple where the count is low but there are motile sperms.
2. Unexplained infertility.
3. Low sperm count.
4. When the liquefaction of semen is too much delayed.
5. Decreased sperm mobility.
6. A hostile cervical condition, such as cervical mucus that is too thick.
7. Cervical scar tissue from past procedures or endometriosis.
8. Ejaculation dysfunction.
9. Minimal endometriosis.
10. Ladies with coital disorders.

Contraindications

1. This is not recommended in the diseases of fallopian tubes.
2. Women with endometriosis (moderate to severe).
3. Ladies with a history of pelvic infections.

Purpose

1. By placing the prepared sperm directly into the uterine cavity facilitates the process of fertilization.
2. IUI is a fertility treatment that uses a catheter to place a number of washed sperm directly into the uterus.
3. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization.

Advantage

1. It is less invasive and less expensive than in vitro fertilization (IVF).
2. Healthy sperms are injected and increase the chances of fertilization.

Disadvantage

1. The main disadvantage is multiple pregnancies because of the hormones.
2. There is a small risk of infection after the IUI.

Procedure

1. A semen sample is collected by masturbation.
   1. Avoid the use of any chemicals.
2. Motile sperms are isolated and the concentration of sperms is increased.
   1. Special media is needed to isolate the motile sperms.
   2. A semen sample will be washed by the lab to separate the semen from the seminal fluid.
3. Monitor the female for the ovulation who was prepared by giving the hormones.
   1. A catheter is used to inject the processed sperm directly into the uterus.
4. This process maximizes the number of sperm cells that are placed in the uterus.
5. Thus increasing the possibility of conception.
6. The IUI procedure takes little time and involves minimal discomfort.
   

   Sperm abnormal form

Preparation of the women

1. An ultrasound will be used to monitor the size of the follicles (follicles develop into eggs).
2. The hormone, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), is administered to stimulate the release of eggs from the follicles.

The success rate of IUI

1. Women under the age of 35 usually have higher rates of success than women over the age of 35.
2. The average success rate for IUI ranges from 10 to 20% in one cycle.
3. The success rate depends upon:
   1. Primarily on the health of the sperm and the woman ovulation status.
   2. Egg quality and patency of fallopian tubes.

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