Homologous Intrauterine Insemination

Homologous Intrauterine insemination (IUI-H) is a procedure widely used for treating several reproductive disorders. It should not be confused with In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), as the goal of IUI-H is that fertilisation takes place naturally within the Fallopian tubes. The patient does not have to rest or interrupt her daily routine.

In Spain, this treatment is controlled by legislation that demands the couple formally give their informed consent authorising the clinic to carry out analyses to guarantee the health of any future offspring (for example, syphilis, different types of hepatitis, HIV).

The technique consists of different stages:


1. Ovulation Stimulation

Every month, the ovary starts the development of hundreds of ovocytes (the cell that is fertilised by the spermatozoid producing the embryo). Only one, or on rare occasion two, will mature, which provokes ovulation or the release of the cell by the ovary. At the same time, the Fallopian tube embraces the ovary and collects the ovocyte. The spermatozoid, placed in the vaginal passage during intercourse then must reach the ovocyte in the Fallopian tube. Ovarian stimulation both ensures that the ovocytes are developed properly and synchronizes ovulation with the moment of insemination.

To achieve this, the patient will receive a treatment that has the following characteristics:

  • Medication must be adjusted precisely to your individual response: every woman responds differently and even the patient’s subsequent cycles may require different doses.
  • It is essential to carry out regular check-ups of the ovaries in order to reach the ideal response. These checks are done using vaginal ultrasound scans and, occasionally, blood tests. In such a way, we can ensure that the dose is correct. If the dose were insufficient, a poor response could result. On the other hand, a too high dose could produce multiple ovulations, which create the risk of a multiple pregnancy.

Normally, between two to four visits are required throughout the cycle. These check-ups allow us to predict the moment of ovulation helping us to time the moment of insemination properly. If the ovarian response is incorrect, for instance, the fear of multiple ovulations would cancel the insemination.

2. Sperm capacitation

On the agreed day of the insemination, the male partner leaves a sample of his ejaculate as per given instruction. In the laboratory, the best spermatozoids are isolated and then their fertilisation capacity is increased by incubating them in media culture which takes between two to four hours. Once complete, insemination takes place.

Insemination consists of placing the improved sperm inside the uterus. The procedure need only be done once per cycle as we will know the exact moment to inseminate thanks to the prior check-ups.

It is a fast and totally painless technique that uses a thin plastic catheter which allows us to place the sperm close to the orifice of the Fallopian tube.

And so, if we take into account that we are provoking the ovulation of mature ovocytes, that the best spermatozoids are chosen and are placed inside the uterus, we drastically increase the likelihood that the two cells will find each other and fertilise, creating a pregnancy.

After insemination, the patient can calmly return to her daily activities.

The cycle success rate in insemination is between 14%-20%.

We rarely recommend more than three cycles because most pregnancies using this technique occur in the first cycles. If fertilisation does not take place, an appointment is arranged so that the patients can get the advice of our Reproductive Medicine Committee. Our medical team meets to evaluate the clinical case and inform the couple of their options.

The gestation possibility is the same in every cycle. The rate of multiple pregnancies is reduced thanks to a correct control in 8%. (Published by our team may 2004.Fertility-Sterility magazine).

Once pregnancy has been confirmed, it will evolve in the same way as any other natural pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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