What is IUI?
A.I.H. is sometimes referred to as IUI, although the latter merely refers to the site where the washed (processed) sperms are deposited. I.U.I. is the more encompassing term and involves a number of treatment steps.
Namely:
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Ovarian stimulation to effect the maturation of two to three eggs during each treatment cycle; |
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Serial blood (hormone) tests and ultrasound scans to monitor follicular growth; |
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Induction of ovulation when the leading follicle reaches a mean diameter of 18mm or more and at least one other follicle with a mean diameter more than 16mm |
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Sperm processing to select the progressive motile sperms |
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Intrauterine insemination 38 to 40 hours after induction of ovulation |
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Luteal support with either vaginal suppositories or injections at regular intervals |
Who might benefit from I.U.I.?
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Unexplained (idiopathic) infertility |
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Male factor infertility (single defect) |
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Sexual dysfunction |
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Unfavourable or hostile cervical mucus |
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Immunological infertility |
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Pelvic endometriosis |
Other prerequisites:
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At least one patent and functional fallopian tube (oviduct) |
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One million or more progressive motile sperms after washing (processing) |
What does the husband need to do?
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Be supportive |
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Provide a semen sample on the day of IUI to the laboratory |
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Sperms can be frozen in advance if there is difficulty producing a semen sample on demand or if the husband may be out of town. However, the freezing and thawing process may result in deterioration of the quality of the sperms. |
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