Intra-Uterine Insemination Using Male Partner’s Sperm (IUI –H)

Intra-Uterine Insemination is the introduction of prepared sperm into the uterus in order to improve the chances on pregnancy. IUI-H is applied to couples in which the woman has open fallopian tubes and the male partner has normal semen parameters.

IUI-H involves tracking the progress of the menstrual cycle using ultrasound scans and blood tests. For those women that do not have regular menstrual cycles OI may be employed to help stimulate the production of a mature follicle. The IUI procedure is performed on the day of ovulation.

Once ovulation has been confirmed the male partner produces a semen sample. This semen sample is then prepared in the laboratory by the Embryologist. The aim of the preparation process is to harvest a good number of motile, normal looking sperm. The prepared sperm are then introduced, through a fine catheter, into the woman’s uterus.

The success rate for IUI-H is typically between 10 – 15 % per cycle.

IUI is also available using donor sperm – see Donor Insemination.