Donor Insemination (IUI-D)

Donor Insemination (IUI-D) is the introduction of prepared donor sperm into the uterus in order to improve the chances of pregnancy. IUI-D is applied to couples in which the woman has open fallopian tubes and the male partner semen is not suitable for use in fertility treatments. In such circumstances a number of options are available such as adoption or treatment using anonymously donated sperm. IUI-D has the advantages that half the genetic make-up of the child comes from the mother and the couple can still experience pregnancy.

The donor is anonymous and the semen is provided with non-identifying information such as:

• Nationality
• Ethnic Origin
• Blood group
• Physical Characteristics, for example their height, build, eye and hair color
• Education and Occupation
• Interests

This information allows the couple, with our guidance, to select a suitable donor. The aim is to have a child that looks like both parents.

IUI-D involves tracking the progress of the menstrual cycle using ultrasound scans and blood tests. For those women that do not have regular menstrual cycles OI may be employed to help stimulate the production of a mature follicle. The IUI procedure is performed on the day of ovulation.

Once ovulation has been confirmed the donor semen is removed from it's secure storage in liquid nitrogen. This semen sample is then prepared in the laboratory by the Embryologist. The aim of the preparation process is to harvest a good number of motile, normal looking sperm. The prepared sperm are then introduced, with a fine catheter, into the woman's uterus.

The success rate for IUI-D is typically between 50-60% over 6-9 treatment cycles.

For those couples who do not conceive after 6 courses of IUI-D or couples in which the woman does not have open tubes then IVF with donor sperm should be considered.