Intrauterine insemination

Intrauterine insemination

 Intrauterine insemination  (IUI) is the introduction of approximately 0.5 ml of fluid into the uterus by means of a catheter, by selecting the fastest and best sperm from the semen obtained from the male after 2 -3 days of sexual abstinence, usually after masturbation, using special techniques. IUI is the method used in the treatment of infertility for a long time, and it is the most common and first treatment choice in the world (before IVF). 

It is generally used in male factor and cervical (cervical) problems, alone or often in conjunction with ovarian stimulation. If the spouses of men without male factor have endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or unexplained infertility, IUI is done again. Because pregnancy rates are higher when done together than with ovarian stimulation or IUI alone, but if the problem is male infertility, ovarian stimulation in addition to IUI does not increase the pregnancy rate.

For IUI, at least one of the tubes should be open, there should not be moderate or severe endometriosis, there should be no bad sperm values ​​(sperm morphology <4% and total motile sperm count below 5 million). In general, the chance of pregnancy with IUI is 8-15% per month. However, this rate increases to 60% in total (after 3-4 IUI) if it is a woman with ovulation problems. IUI is not recommended more than 3-4 times,usually.

After the necessary conditions are met, ovarian stimulation is started and continued with the prescribed drugs at the required doses (Pills are generally started on the 3rd or 5th day of menstruation and are used for 5 days, not more, one, two or three can be used according to the doctor's recommendation. Injectıons i usually starts on the second or third day of menstruation and continues until the day of egg maturation), then the patient is called for ultrasonography controls and the size of the eggs is measured (the purpose of IUI is to grow one or two eggs), when sufficient size is reached (usually 16-20mm) , egg maturation needle is applied and IUI is done approximately 34-36 hours after that. If more than desired eggs are grown, the egg maturation injection is not performed and the IUI is canceled, because in this case, multiple pregnancies and life-threatening ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur.

This is usually caused by using high doses of medication for ovarian stimulation.