IUI
IUI or Intra- uterine Insemination is a procedure where prepared sperm
is inseminated (placed) directly into the uterus (womb). IUI can be used
in conjunction with drugs such as FSH, which are used to stimulate the
ovaries to produce follicles.
FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone is used to help the ovaries produce
eggs. There may be a risk with multiple birthsin IUI cycles, as more then
one follicle can develop. When using FSH ultra sound scans will be performed
regularly to monitor the number of follicles developing. In addition,
FSH also thickens the lining of the uterus to aid implantation. The timing
of the IUI procedure will depend on the size of the follicles. The size
of the follicles indicates when an egg is mature (if there is one is present).
Unfortunately, eggs themselves cannot be seen by an ultra sound scan only
the fluid of the follicle. The size of the follicle indicates when the
egg, if one is present, is mature. When the follicles are a certain size
approximately 18mm or above, then another injection will be advised which
is HCG.
Dominant Follicle
HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is a drug which enables the egg
to further mature in the ovary. It also aids the release of the egg in
the follicle. The IUI will then be timed so that sperm will be present
when the egg is released from the follicle so that fertilization can take
place in the fallopian tube.
IUI Procedure
The procedure itself is similar to a smear test. A speculum is passed
into the vagina so that the Doctor/nurse can visualize the cervix. The
vagina is then cleaned, and a fine catheter is used to pass the prepared
sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix. A blood test is advised
in the first cycle to check that ovulation occurs. This is performed one
week after the IUI. A pregnancy test should then be performed 14 days
after the IUI cycle.
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