UZ Brussel-VUB - Artificial Insemination using Partner's or Donor Sperm.

Artificial Insemination using Partner's or Donor Sperm.

Good advice in advance

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Sometimes, a man produces too few good quality motile sperms to be able to fertilize his partner in the normal way, or the womans' cervix forms too much of a natural barrier to allow the sperms to pass. The couple remains childless until a clear reason for this is found. In these cases, artificial insemination could well enable such couples to become parents.

IUI using donor sperm is indicated if the man does not have a good sperm production, or too few sperm in order to be able to produce a good sample. In the latter case, IVF with ICSI (injection of one selected sperm into an egg) could provide a solution, but it is of course a much lengthier and more complicated process.

What is AI?

The technique of artificial insemination involves the introduction of sperm (either from your partner of from an anonymous doner) directly into the uterus. The best, most motile sperm are selected under laboratory conditions and placed into a fine plastic catheter, with which they can be inserted through the cervix into the womb. The technique is called 'Intra uterine insemination' (IUI).
Artificial insemination is a simple, painless procedure, which takes place on an outpatient basis. The procedure for couples using their own sperm is quite similar to that of couples making use of donor sperm.

You can find a detailed description of the procedure under The treatment in detail. IF you want more information on stimulation possibilities, click on Stimulation for IUI.

Do you want to know what are your chances - statisticly - of getting pregnant, click on Chance of success.

Preliminary investigations

Apart from the routine investigations which precede every type of fertility treatment, women over the age of 37 wishing to have IUI treatment, will be subject to investigations into the patency of their fallopian tubes. This is done either by hysterosalpingography or diagnostic laparoscopy.
Even if the woman is younger, but fails to conceive after six attempts of IUI, the above investigations will be performed before further treatment can be planned.

Administrative
IUI, like every form of fertility treatment, has a number of administrative formalities attached to it. For information regarding these, see practical information.

Both partners will be required to complete a contract for IUI, wherein you give consent for the treatment to be performed (see giving consent for the treatment). If using donor sperm, specific consent for this will have to be given in a seperate contract (see consent for the use of donated material).