Ovarian Stimulation and Intrauterine Insemination

In cases of unexplained infertility we offer treatment by ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI).  We ask couples with unexplained infertility to consider this treatment option before embarking upon IVF. 

With IUI specially prepared samples of semen are inseminated into the womb using a fine tube passed through the cervix.  This is not painful and is performed by one of our nurses or doctors.

We use IUI routinely as our first line of treatment with unexplained infertility and with the male partner's sperm to overcome coital or ejaculatory disorders.

The results of unstimulated IUI with partner's semen in treating cases of severe sperm disorders are poor.  In certain cases, if IVF has to be abandoned, it may be converted to treatment using IUI.

Induction of ovulation

Induction of ovulation involves stimulating the ovaries to produce a single egg.  This technique is used in women who fail to ovulate but who have normal tubes and whose partner's semen is normal.  Ovulation is induced in women with absent or infrequent periods.  The majority of women with oligo-amenorrhoea (infrequent/absent periods) have polycystic ovaries.  This is often combined with excess body hair and obesity and is then known as the polycystic ovarian syndrome.  The ultimate outcome of treatment is excellent but will require the women to lose weight.

Other less common causes of oligo-amenorrhoea include thyroid disorders and hyperprolactinaemia.

The ovaries are stimulated with gonadotrophins and treatment usually starts with a low dose of 37.5 or 75 IU a day.  This usually continues for two weeks before any adjustment is made.  The ovarian response is monitored by ultrasound and blood tests for oestrogen and LH.