Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. In this method, prepared sperm is directly inserted into the uterus to facilitate fertilisation.

Like all treatments at Cada, IUI follows a precise protocol:

1. Fertility Check: Our comprehensive fertility check incorporates methods such as ultrasound, sperm analysis, and diagnostic blood tests. Our state-of-the-art lab technology ensures precise results as the foundation for your personalised treatment.

2. Treatment Kick-off: IUI can be performed in either a stimulated or natural cycle. In a stimulated cycle, medications are prescribed to promote egg maturation.

3. Ultrasound and Ovulation: During hormonal stimulation, regular ultrasound examinations are conducted. Ovulation is triggered shortly before insemination. If no hormonal stimulation is used, ovulation is determined by an ovulation test.

4. Insemination: The partner’s sperm is prepared simultaneously with the release of the egg. The best sperm are injected into the uterus through a thin tube. A pregnancy test is conducted two weeks after insemination.

While individual criteria may vary, general requirements for IUI include:

1. Patent fallopian tubes: A woman's fallopian tubes must be patent for the embryo to implant in the uterus. A gentle fallopian tube patency test (HyCoSy) can be used to determine whether the fallopian tubes are blocked or patent.

2. Ovulation: In order to perform an IUI, the woman must ovulate, either spontaneously or hormonally induced. Ovulation is triggered approximately 24-32 hours before insemination. The exact time is determined by the attending physician.

3. Sufficient sperm quality: There should be sufficient fertilisable sperm in the ejaculate. In addition, at least 40% of the sperm should be motile and present in sufficient quantity (at least 15 million per millilitre). Our fertility specialists will be happy to advise you individually in an initial consultation.

The success rate of an IUI averages 10-20% per cycle. Individual success depends on the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and other factors.

Our specialists will be happy to provide a realistic assessment of your individual chances of success during a personal consultation.

As IUI is minimally invasive and therefore less complex than IVF, the costs are also lower. At Cada, an IUI treatment cycle costs between CHF 1,300 and CHF 1,400, with the first 3 treatment cycles, including medication and check-ups, reimbursed by health insurance.

IUI treatment is usually considered when couples have minimal fertility restrictions and are looking for their first treatment option. This is particularly relevant if the sperm quality is slightly impaired. In addition, IUI can be used in cases of cycle disorders or when sexual intercourse is not possible due to physical limitations.

Not always. It depends on whether ovarian stimulation is performed before IUI. Often, this stimulation is used to promote egg growth. Medications like Clomiphene, Letrozole, or gonadotropins are typically used to aid in egg maturation. The specific medication regimen is dependent on the individual woman's circumstances and is determined by the attending physician.

While there's no definite age limit for IUI, it's generally suggested for women below 40. However, older women in good health may also consider this treatment. Our specialists are available to evaluate your unique situation and provide a recommendation.

Yes, and no. Frozen sperm can be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI). The sperm are collected, preserved, and thawed as needed before being introduced into the uterus. Frozen eggs, however, cannot be used in traditional IUI treatment, because fertilisation occurs directly in the female body. If frozen eggs are available, they can be used for fertilisation during ICSI.

IUI treatment takes about two weeks. The process may begin with ovarian stimulation for 7-14 days, during which the growth of the follicles is monitored with regular ultrasound scans. Ovulation is induced with hormones about 32 hours before the IUI.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are both assisted reproduction methods. IUI involves the insertion of sperm into the uterus, fertilising the egg inside the woman's body. IVF involves fertilisation outside the body. The sperm is brought together with the egg in the laboratory. The fertilised egg develops into an embryo and is then implanted in the woman's uterus.

The risk of twins or a multiple pregnancy with IUI, especially without hormone stimulation, is about 2%, which is the same as with natural conception. If two eggs mature during hormone treatment, the risk is slightly higher.

Like all other treatments, IUI is performed on site at Cada. Our specialists conduct all analyses in the Cada laboratory, and the team of doctors is available to provide support and advice at every stage. You'll receive the test results via the Cada app. We will schedule an appointment with you to review the results and create your treatment plan.