IUI
What is IUI?
IUI is a procedure that involves inserting sperm past the cervix and directly into the uterus. The steps for this process are similar to that of Home AI/ICI but are performed at a professional clinic with specially prepared sperm. & go further into the uterus. The semen is prepared or “washed” to remove potential proteins that could affect fertilization (sperm banks can sell sperm ‘washed’ or ‘unwashed’). This also makes the sperm more concentrated. Ideally, this will increase the likelihood that you will conceive. The doctor will use a speculum to make the uterus easier to access (the same as what is used in a smear test to open your cervix up). They’ll use a special, thin instrument inserted through the vagina and place the sperm into the uterus. This is done whilst you are awake & after ten minutes or so you can get up & go home (rest is advised for a few days if you can, but you can go back to normal life afterwards- just no heavy lifting or hot baths).
Prior to treatment you will have multiple internal scans to check your cervix lining is thick enough for the embryo to implant & also the follicles on your ovaries how they are growing. Once the biggest one is between 18mm-22m & you have reached ‘peak’ ovulation (which you will be monitoring with ovulation sticks') the insemination will be arranged within the next two days dependant on advice from the clinic. Be aware, some people’s ‘ovulation window’ may be shorter & it can range from anything between 6-36 hours’.
Get to know your body
We strongly advise if you are the one who intends to carry, on getting a good period tracker app where you can enter notes, & ovulation sticks ( we always advise on Clear Blue Advanced Digital Ovulation kits) so you can start tracking your ovulation-the earlier you do this the better, so you can learn how your own body works & it’s ovulation patterns. This is whereby your body gets ready to release an egg & your body will go from ‘low, to high, to peak’ ovulation- once at peak this is when your egg is ready to be fertilised by the sperm & you’ll have the insemination when the clinic advises.
Known or Private Donor
You can use a known donor even if you are going through a clinic & the donor will be subject to tests too (which will be at an additional cost). However, people tend to use donor sperm & this can cost anything from £700-£1000 per vial, & the actual IUI treatment itself around £700-£900.
We would always advise if you are going down the IUI route to ‘overbuy’ vials of your chosen donor, as the success rate is only between 10-20% & could take multiple attempts regardless if you are fertile or have issues. Also, if you want to have multiple children or have a partner who also wishes to carry, you need to take this into consideration when buying donor sperm. Donors may ‘retire’ or reach their allocated family numbers (60 families in the US but only 10 in the UK) & if they do, they cannot donate further- if you run out of vials you may then have to change donor, even if you have had a child by them already.
Seek legal advice
Even if you are going through a professional clinic, some people if in a couple or co-parenting, or using a known donor seek legal advice & get document drawn up to agree on how any child born from the treatment will be cared for & who has PR (parental responsibility for them). We would advise to hire a family solicitor or lawyer that support LGBT+ families or has experience in dealing with the creation of children through fertility.
Costs
The cost of IUI is dependent on clinic & whether you require medication with your treatment. Prior testing costs between £1000-£1500 in total & these are mandatory. These tests consist of checking for sexually transmitted diseases, Hepatitis B&C, bloods to check your AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone) & your ovarian reserve. Most clinics also require you to have a 3d Hycosy which is where your tubes are flooded with dye to ensure they are not blocked & are clear. There can be additional tests required dependant on your own fertility. Some may ask you to have a SIS (Saline infusion sonohysterography) which can detect any abnormalities with the uterus. The cost of the actual treatment itself can range from £700-£1000 dependant on clinic.
Medication
It is incredibly difficult to advise what medication you may require for treatment; Clinics use differing medications & depending on your treatment plan will be specific to your needs. You may go for what’s called a ‘natural cycle’ whereby you only administer a ‘trigger shot’ before your insemination. However, you may require a little bit more help (this mainly happens after multiple failed cycles or if you have a condition like PCOS). This would require you to have tablets like Clomid or injections. You need to be prepared that you may have to be administering medication in the form of tablets, pessaries (rectally or vaginally), injections in the stomach & injections in the buttocks or thigh. If you have decided upon this route & want to know more about possible medications you may be required to take please contact us.
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