Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Treatment & Procedure

The procedure is relatively easy, non-invasive, and an inexpensive fertility treatment. Success rates of IUI typically range from 5-15% per cycle, and most people will require multiple cycles before a healthy pregnancy will occur.

Is IUI Treatment Suitable for You?

To determine if IUI is a suitable option for you, it is crucial for you and your fertility specialist to initially establish your fertility diagnosis. Your fertility specialist will conduct various diagnostic examinations to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for IUI treatment or if alternative assisted fertility options may be more appropriate.

IUI may serve as the initial phase in your fertility treatment journey if you or your partner has received a diagnosis of unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility. Additionally, it could be the right choice for women with scarring of the cervix, mild endometriosis, or other conditions that might impede sperm penetration into the uterine cavity. IUI can also be beneficial if you experience irregular or absent ovulation or if you have not achieved pregnancy with ovulation induction alone. Furthermore, IUI is typically the starting point in fertility treatment when using a sperm donor.

However, IUI might not be a suitable option if you are dealing with severe male factor infertility (total modal sperm count <5 million) or if both the woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked, as this would prevent sperm access to the eggs in the uterus.

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is an assisted fertility process where a concentrated specimen of sperm is injected into the uterus. The clinical method requires using a long tube and syringe to place sperm into the uterus, where it will be closer to the egg to improve the chances of pregnancy

The procedure and cycle of IUI treatment

Cycle day 1: Contact your fertility specialist or your fertility clinic in Singapore on the first day of menstruation.

Cycle day 2-4: In the clinic, you will need to receive blood work and an ultrasound to ensure that you’re at the beginning of the cycle and that there are no cysts present. At this point, you may be given oral, vaginal, or injectable medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more follicle (the choice of medication will depend on the woman’s age, ovarian function, and prior treatments).

Cycle day 10-12: Additional blood work and ultrasound will be done to assess the ovarian response to medication. Once the ovarian follicle has reached the appropriate size, the woman will be given a “trigger shot” to stimulate ovulation.

Day of Insemination: 36 hours after the trigger shot is given, you will come into the clinic for the IUI procedure. The male partner will be asked to provide a sperm sample approximately 30-60 mins prior to treatment. This sperm will then be treated with a “sperm wash”: the sample is spun in a centrifuge to remove debris and substances in the semen that can cause uterine cramping at high concentrations and the sperm is highly concentrated into a small volume.

How does the Intrauterine Insemination process work?

The concentrated and “washed” sperm will then be injected into the uterine cavity so that the egg and sperm are closer together and have a higher chance of meeting and fertilizing. To do so, a speculum is placed into the vagina in order to visualize the cervix. The processed sperm is inserted into a thin, long, flexible catheter, and then it is advanced through the vagina and the cervix into the uterus. The sperm is then injected through the catheter into the uterus.

This process is usually painless and does not involve anaesthesia, but some patients may experience mild discomfort. Patients may be asked to attend the procedure with a full bladder so that the uterus is in an upright position, making it easier for the specialist to manoeuvre the tubing and inject the sperm into the uterus.

Patients may also be provided with an anti-anxiety medication half an hour before the procedure to help you to relax. Patients will often receive an additional progesterone shot to help the uterus prepare the uterine lining. You will be asked to rest for 10-15 minutes after the procedure, after which you can return to normal activity. The entire appointment will take approximately 1 hour. After two weeks, the patient will return for a pregnancy test.

Because it is relatively non-invasive, IUI is often the first step in assisted fertility and may help you to increase your chances of pregnancy. Speak to one of our specialists at Monash IVF fertility clinic in Singapore to find out if this is the right step for you.

What to Expect During the Intrauterine Insemination Process

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a straightforward and minimally invasive fertility treatment designed to increase the chances of conception. The process begins with the preparation of a sperm sample by the clinic’s skilled team. The sperm is washed and concentrated to select the healthiest specimens, enhancing the chances of successful fertilisation.

During the insemination procedure, the prepared sperm is carefully placed directly into the upper part of the uterine cavity using a thin catheter. This process, performed in a comfortable clinical setting, ensures the sperm is positioned closer to the egg, optimising the likelihood of conception. Patients can expect the procedure to be quick, with minimal discomfort and no downtime required.

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When Should A Couple Consider IUI Treatment for Pregnancy?

IUI treatment is typically recommended for couples who face specific fertility challenges. These may include factors such as:

  • Unexplained infertility, where no clear cause of infertility is identified.
  • Mild male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, motility, or morphology issues.
  • Cervical mucus abnormalities, which hinder sperm movement.
  • Ovulation disorders, where ovulation timing needs to be optimised.

Other factors, such as the woman’s age and previous fertility evaluations also play a crucial role in determining whether IUI is suitable. At Monash IVF Singapore, our fertility specialists carefully assess each patient’s unique situation to recommend the most effective treatment plan, ensuring personalised care and support.

Monash IVF Singapore: One of the Best Clinics for Artificial Insemination Procedures

Monash IVF Singapore is a leading clinic offering personalised artificial insemination (IUI) treatments. With our experienced specialists and advanced technology, we aim to optimise treatment success and support your fertility journey.

High Success Rates

Monash IVF Singapore boasts impressive success rates for IUI treatments, thanks to our meticulous approach and state-of-the-art techniques. Our commitment to excellence ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care and continuous support throughout their fertility journey, maximising the chances of successful conception.

Experienced IUI Doctors & Specialists

Our team of fertility specialists includes some of the best IUI doctors in Singapore. With extensive experience and a compassionate approach, guiding you through the process with empathy and understanding. This ensures that each patient receives the attention and treatment they deserve to maximise their chances of success.

Advanced IUI Technology

Monash IVF leverages advanced technology to enhance the success of the IUI process, from advanced sperm preparation techniques to precise insemination timing. With the latest technologies in place, we aim to deliver the best possible fertility care tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring the highest chances of successful outcomes.

Finding the Right IUI Specialist Clinic for Your Fertility Treatment

Choosing the right IUI clinic is essential to your fertility journey. It’s important to consider the clinic’s experience, the qualifications of the specialists, and the level of personalised care offered. Look for clinics that provide clear communication, support, and advanced fertility treatments. At Monash IVF Singapore, our experienced doctors specialise in tailoring IUI treatments to meet individual needs, ensuring expert care and guidance throughout the process.

Learn more about our specialists and their expertise by visiting our Specialists Page.

Schedule Your IUI Consultation with Our Doctors in Singapore Today

Monash IVF Singapore combines expertise, advanced technology, and personalised care to provide exceptional intrauterine insemination treatments. Whether you’re starting IUI treatment or looking for a tailored solution to your fertility challenges, our team is ready to assist.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward achieving your dream of parenthood. Let Monash IVF Singapore support you every step of the way.