Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a treatment option for infertility that most resembles the natural process of conception. It is a simple procedure that is highly effective when the problem is with sperm production and motility, preventing sperm from traveling through cervical mucus into the uterus.

The woman may need to take oral or injectable medication or both to stimulate production of multiple eggs. This is usually done on the second or third day of her cycle. Then, on the 11th-13th day of her cycle, an ultrasound will be done to assess the number and condition of the eggs produced. When the follicles are the right size, the doctor will prescribe medication to cause ovulation. Approximately 24 to 36 hours after that, the patient will come in for the intrauterine insemination.
 
Intrauterine Insemination

1. The man will be scheduled to come in to the hospital and provide a semen sample. The sample will then be prepared in the laboratory, which takes two to three hours.
2. After the semen sample is prepared, it will then be inserted into the woman by a doctor. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. A thin tube is placed into the uterus through the cervix and the semen is then injected into the tube. This helps deliver the semen directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
3. After the insemination, the patient should rest for 20 to 30 minutes before she can return home.
4. An appointment will be made for two weeks after the procedure to test for pregnancy.
5. If the pregnancy test is positive, the patient will be scheduled for an ultrasound after one to two weeks. The patient may need to take synthetic hormones continuously and will be scheduled for regular follow-up visits for a time before being transferred for antenatal care.

• After the intrauterine insemination (IUI), the patient can resume normal activities and even have sexual intercourse.
• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for two to three days after the procedure.
• Please take all medication prescribed by the doctor.

• Complications from the injection, such as inflammation, infection, or bruising.
• Vaginal bleeding may occur due to the irritation of the cervix from the insertion of medical equipment used in these procedures.
• Lower abdominal discomfort or pain for two to three days during ovulation, especially when stimulating multiple eggs. Abdominal pain may also occur after the semen is inserted.
• The procedure may be canceled if there are no eggs or too many eggs.
• This procedure has a higher risk of producing twins than natural conception.

Recommendations for Travel Before and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure

• If you must come to the hospital for ovarian stimulation, you should plan to be in Thailand on the second day of your menstrual period. This allows for treatment planning and the requisite medical check-up for the procedure.
• If you have undergone ovarian stimulation at another facility, please plan to be in Thailand on the 12th day of your menstrual period. This allows for treatment planning and the requisite medical check-up for the procedure.

After the Procedure
You may travel as soon as you are comfortable doing so as the results of the procedure and your medical condition are not affected by traveling back to your home country.
 

The success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) is 5-15% per procedure, depending on the quality of the sperm, the number of eggs, any problems with the uterus and fallopian tubes, and any other medical conditions, such as adhesions in the pelvis.
 
What if this procedure is not performed?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) increases the chances of pregnancy. Without this treatment, the chance of becoming pregnant may be low. Please discuss all available treatment options with your doctor.

Alternatives
In vitro fertilization (IVF).
 
Important Information
As a result of the Protection of Children Born by Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, B. E. 2558, Bumrungrad International Hospital requires that the following documents are submitted to the hospital before patients undergo assisted reproductive technology:

1. Marriage certificate or license, to provide legally recognized proof of relationship.
2. Certified translation in Thai or English of foreign marriage certificate (if applicable), certified by the embassy in Thailand of the country where the marriage was registered.