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.