The IUI treatment process step by step

A successful IUI procedure consists of the three following important steps:

1. Determining your ovulation and the optimal treatment time by closely monitoring your menstrual cycle and by ultrasound scanning.
2. Preparation on the day of treatment, including a preliminary sperm purification process that removes weak and dead cells, leaving only healthy and motile sperm.
3. Carefully inserting the sperm through the cervical opening and into the uterus with a flexible catheter. This shortens the distance to the egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilisation. 

Determining the ovulation

When you undergo an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure, our experienced team will first determine the optimal time for treatment, and then schedule the IUI accordingly. This is done in cooperation with you by monitoring your menstrual cycle and using ovulation tests.

When the ovulation test is positive, your ovulation will usually occur within the next 24-36 hours. After the ovulation, the egg can live for 12-24 hours. Within this time frame you are most fertile, and this is the optimal time for the insemination.

When your ovulation test is positive, we recommend you contact us as soon as possible to get an appointment. You will allways be able to get an appointment.

Preparation and purification of the sperm

On the day of the treatment, we set aside approximately an hour for the insemination treatment which includes preparation and rest afterwards. The IUI procedure itself is typically brief (about 5-10 minutes) and is similar to a regular gynaecological exam.

It is very important that the insemination treatment takes place at the right time. So, we always recommend an ultrasound scan before the actual insemination.
During the scan we measure your follicles and the endometrium. In this way, we ensure that the insemination treatment is not performed too early.

We prepare and carefully wash the sperm in our laboratory to ensure that only the healthiest and most motile sperm are used during the insemination procedure.

The insemination procedure

During the actual insemination, a small, flexible catheter is inserted through the cervix to transfer the washed sperm directly into the uterus.

This approach allows for optimal placement of the sperm, increasing the likelihood of fertilisation during your most fertile period.

Most women report little to no discomfort during the procedure. Following the IUI, fertilisation occurs naturally, when the sperm fuses with the egg.

Rest and acupuncture

After the actual insemination treatment, you have to rest for approximately 15 minutes so that your body can relax.

In relation to this, we offer acupuncture that works to relax the muscles and simultaneously contributes to an increased blood circulation in the uterus which can have a positive effect on the insemination.

If you wish to receive acupuncture in relation with your treatment you only need to communicate this beforehand when you announce your arrival. You may also make an appointment for acupuncture the day after the treatment to positively affect the fertilisation.

Feedback

After the insemination treatment we always hand out a pregnancy test that you take 14 days after the treatment.

As we must to report all results from treatments to the Danish National Board of Health, it is very important that you give your feedback regardless of whether the insemination treatment was successful or not.

Small risk of infection

After the insemination treatment there is a small risk of infection between 0,01 and 0,2%. Due to this risk, we recommend that you avoid swimming and baths 4-5 days after the treatment. It is no problem to take a shower.

You must also avoid saunas the first few days after treatment, as the high temperatures can kill the sperm cells.

You can always get an appointment

When your ovulation test is positive you must contact us to get an appointment.

Phone us or send an email no later than 10 o’clock on the day you wish to be treated.

You must be in the clinic no later than 15 o’clock so that we can complete the insemination treatment.

You will always be able to get an appointment if you have a positive ovulation test.

Scan before ovulation

If you wish to have an ultrasound scan during the days leading up to ovulation you may kindly contact us so that we can arrange a time for this.