A simple fertility treatment, IUI is commonly the first line of treatment especially when no fertility problem is identified (unexplained) or when the male partner’s sperm is slightly below normal. It involves inserting sperm into the female partner’s uterus at the time of ovulation.

The process varies in one Fertility unit to another but the principle of the treatment remains the same:

The female partner is usually given hormonal medications (tablets and occasionally hormonal injections) so that she will produce more eggs from her ovaries. The doctor will track the growth of the eggs by performing an ultrasound nearer to the time of ovulation to predict the time of ovulation. At around the time of ovulation, the doctor will insert the sperms into the female partner’s uterus by using a small tube. The sperm sample is first prepared to remove dead and weak sperm and the best sperm are then strengthened further to improve their ability to make a baby.

It is meant to be easy and inexpensive but may need to be repeated multiple times as pregnancy rates are only 10-15% each time it is performed. It cannot be used where the fallopian tubes are damaged or where the sperm is very poor.