Intra-Uterine Insemination

This is a procedure to transport processed sperm directly into uterine cavity. Raw semen contains prostaglandins which will cause cramping of uterus. To avoid the cramping pain, raw semen usually processed through washing or density gradient to remove prostaglandins and remove inactive/dead/decaying spermatozoa. IUI is the first method to enhance sperm to meet egg. There are 2 concerns:

1. the success rate is lower than IVF. It may try for 3 cycles of IUI. If not achieving pregnancy, advance to IVF is suggested.

2. To female, sperm is foreign substance. High concentration of spermatozoa in the uterus serves as antigen to induce anti-sperm antibody. Presences of antisperm antibody can worse the fertility problem.