Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Although the ability to conceive is a natural function of the body, a significant percentage of couples face difficulties due to pathologies of the reproductive system. Modern reproductive medicine, however, has significantly expanded the boundaries of what is possible.
Artificial insemination is a simple method of assisted reproductive technology that helps many couples become parents and give birth to a healthy child.
What is intrauterine insemination?
Intrauterine insemination is one of the methods of of infertility treatment. Its principle is to inject pre-prepared sperm directly into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter.
The procedure is performed during ovulation (usually after preliminary hormonal stimulation), when the probability of conception is highest.
The difference between natural and artificial insemination is that by injecting sperm directly into the uterus, the path of sperm to the egg is significantly reduced, which increases the likelihood of successful fertilization.
Indications for intrauterine insemination
The procedure is performed for couples who have tried in vain to get pregnant during a year of sexual activity without contraception. It is also used in cases of infertility of unknown genesis, when a comprehensive examination does not reveal a specific cause.
Testimony from a woman
- cervical infertility – the presence of viscous cervical mucus that prevents the passage of sperm, or anti-sperm antibodies in it;
- chronic endocervicitis;
- anovulation or rare ovulation that can be corrected by hormonal therapy;
- scarring changes, cervical stenosis after infectious and inflammatory diseases or surgical interventions;
- vaginismus;
- abnormalities in the development of the genitals;
- allergy to sperm, which is manifested by inflammation in the vagina.
Testimony from the husband
- retrograde ejaculation;
- erectile dysfunction;
urethral canal abnormalities; - the presence of antisperm antibodies;
- use of cryopreserved sperm (after vasectomy, chemotherapy, or for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections).
In cases of secretory azoospermia, unfavorable medical and genetic prognosis, or for women who do not have a sexual partner, a donor’s sperm can be used in the IUI protocol.
Contraindications to insemination
- Artificial insemination is not performed if both fallopian tubes are obstructed, as this makes fertilization impossible. The procedure is also contraindicated in severe endometriosis, congenital malformations or acquired deformities of the uterine cavity that impede embryo implantation, as well as malignant tumors of any localization.
- Insemination is not performed in case of acute inflammatory processes, active infections of the genitourinary system, Rh conflict with the presence of antibodies, and in case of a combination of several infertility factors at the same time. Additional restrictions include severe somatic diseases that threaten a woman’s health, mental disorders that complicate pregnancy, and the condition after chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- The final decision on the possibility of the procedure is always made at a consultation with a reproductive specialist after a thorough examination of the couple. During the consultation, you can also find out how much insemination costs in your case and get detailed recommendations on how to prepare for it.
Intrauterine insemination: examination and preparation
Examination for women
Before planning an IUI, a woman undergoes an examination by a gynecologist. The specialist takes swabs for vaginal microflora and an oncocytological examination of the cervix. The hormonal profile is examined – the level of prolactin, FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone. It is also necessary to take blood tests for:
- blood type and Rh factor;
- HIV detection;
- Hepatitis;
- syphilis;
- TORCH infections.
An ultrasound of the pelvic organs is mandatory to assess the condition of the uterus, uterine appendages, and endometrium. To assess the general state of health and the body’s readiness to bear a pregnancy, you will need to consult a therapist, as well as general blood and urine tests.
Examination for a man
A man’s examination is mandatory if his sperm is used for IUI. To assess the quality of a man’s germ cells, a spermogram is prescribed. To rule out sexually transmitted infections that threaten the health of the woman and the unborn baby, blood tests are performed for:
- STDS;
- syphilis;
- HIV;
- Hepatitis.
A blood type and Rh factor test is also required to avoid Rh conflict, as well as a pulmonary function test.
Preparation for the procedure
To begin with, it is determined whose biological material will be used – the husband’s or the donor’s. If the donor material is chosen, it is selected based on the patient’s tests and wishes (appearance, age, blood type, Rh factor, etc.).
If your partner’s ejaculate is to be used for artificial insemination, it is important to prepare properly for its donation. 5 days before the sperm collection, you should refrain from any sexual activity that ends in ejaculation. Give up alcohol of any strength a week before the collection of the material, eat a balanced diet, avoid physical and emotional stress.
The resulting ejaculate is specially prepared in the laboratory. It is purified from foreign substances and components that can cause allergies. Defective and inactive sperm are removed.
To determine the optimal time for the procedure, the doctor monitors ovulation. This can be either tracking the maturation of the follicle in the natural cycle or inducing ovulation with hormonal stimulation to mature several oocytes.
The insemination procedure is usually carried out 24-48 hours after the follicle is ready for ovulation and characteristic clear mucous discharge appears.
How the intrauterine insemination procedure works
The artificial insemination procedure is minimally invasive compared to IVF and usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. The direct injection of pre-prepared sperm takes only a few minutes. The doctor performs the entire manipulation quickly and comfortably for the patient.
The woman is placed on a gynecological chair and a viewing mirror is inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix, as in a regular examination. A syringe with pre-prepared sperm is attached to a special catheter. The specialist carefully guides the catheter through the vagina and cervical canal directly into the uterine cavity. During this stage, a woman usually does not feel any discomfort. The contents of the syringe are injected through the catheter into the uterine cavity - after which the mirror is removed.
It is recommended to lie down for half an hour after the VMI. After that, if there are no complaints, the patient can return to her normal life, following the doctor's recommendations. In the first days after the procedure, small amounts of bloody discharge may sometimes be observed, which is normal. However, if you experience any unusual sensations or pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. After 2 weeks, the doctor will invite you to have a blood test for pregnancy and an ultrasound.
The cost of intrauterine insemination
The cost of insemination is not fixed, as it depends on the individual needs of the patient. It is influenced by:
- the need for hormonal stimulation, types and amount of drugs;
- whose biological material is used – a partner or a donor;
- the total amount of examinations and preparation required in your case.
The approximate price of intrauterine insemination at the IVMED fertility clinic in Kyiv starts from UAH 11,500. However, it may vary depending on the specifics of the case.
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Advantages of VMI at IVMED clinic
Comprehensive diagnostics is the basis for success
The success of a VMI begins with a quality diagnosis. We conduct a comprehensive examination of both partners. This allows us not only to state the fact of infertility, but also to determine its exact cause and choose the method that will work in your case.
Experience that is trusted
We use the most modern laboratory, genetic, and, if necessary, surgical methods to help us treat the most difficult cases. If you are interested in the price of insemination in Kyiv, our clinic will provide you with complete information about all stages of the program and possible options for its implementation.
Guaranteed quality and safety of donor sperm
Each sperm donor undergoes a thorough medical screening: spermogram analysis, testing for infections, genetic mutations, and karyotype determination. We use the vitrification method (ultra-fast freezing), which preserves the fertilization ability of sperm after thawing.
Convenience and speed
We value your time. The IUI procedure at our center takes a minimum of time - just a few visits to the clinic can be your first step on the path to parenthood. We organize the process so that it is as comfortable as possible for you, and all information about the program, including the price of IUI, is clear and accessible from the first consultation.
