Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
This ranks among simple methods of assisted reproduction. It is one of the methods of assisted reproduction in a broader sense, after which we expect improving the conditions for fertilization in the natural milieu (in the body of the woman – in vivo). This method is based on the natural ability of sperms to fertilize the ovum in the female genital tract. The IUI is ineffective in cases of a significantly reduced amount, mobility, and sperm quality and, of course, does not take place in women with bilateral obstruction of the ovaries. The preparation of the insemination dose is carried out in the embryological laboratory where the sperm concentration and the number of the moving sperms are increased by the swim-up method. Subsequently, in the pre-ovulation time, the insemination dose is introduced into the uterus cavity by a special catheter. The IUI belongs to simple, painless outpatient procedures without the need for anaesthesia. Its success rate after stimulation of the ovaries is between 10%-15% per cycle.
In cases where the partner’s sperms cannot be used, an anonymous donor sperms (IUI-D) can be used for the IUI. The use of the donor fresh sperms is prohibited. All the sperm samples must be frozen and stored for 6 months, the donor is repeatedly tested for the presence of infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and a genetic examination is also part of the examination. Prior to the use of the sperms for insemination, the results obtained at collection and half a year after freezing should be negative. The consent of the spouses/partners is required for use of the cells donated for insemination.