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IUI and ICI
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) places prepared sperm in the uterine cavity. Intracervical insemination (ICI) places sperm at the cervix. Both approaches are available at INCITA.
Assessment before treatment
Assessment includes ovulation, follicle development, tubal status and semen analysis. Insemination requires at least one patent fallopian tube and ovulation on that side.
Monitoring and preparation
Treatment involves ovulation monitoring, sperm collection or preparation, and insemination timed around ovulation. Fresh or frozen sperm may be used according to the treatment plan. The team will explain the instructions for your case.
Ovulation and treatment timing
Insemination is timed around ovulation. Ultrasound monitoring of follicle development helps the team plan the procedure. Before treatment, the assessment includes ovulation, tubal status and relevant reproductive findings.
Unlike IVF, insemination does not involve retrieving eggs for fertilization in the laboratory. The suitability of insemination is therefore considered in relation to tubal function as well as sperm findings.
Sperm collection and preparation
Where fresh sperm is used, collection and laboratory preparation are coordinated with the procedure. Frozen sperm is warmed and handled according to the treatment plan.
Sperm-bank products may be prepared for IUI or ICI use. The selected product and quantity should be checked with the hospital before purchase so that they match the intended treatment.
Medical review before choosing a donor
Donor selection includes review of screening information, family history and relevant medical findings. The hospital’s donor guide discusses CMV status, carrier screening and semen information as part of this review.
Appearance, ancestry and other personal preferences may also be considered, but they do not replace medical matching. The team can coordinate a discussion of the donor profile and the planned insemination approach.
When IVF may be discussed instead
Insemination and IVF address different treatment situations. If an earlier insemination attempt has not been successful, or the examination findings point to another approach, the clinician reviews the available options rather than repeating a treatment without reassessment.
Questions before arranging insemination
Why are fallopian-tube findings discussed?
Insemination takes place without retrieving eggs for laboratory fertilization. Assessment therefore includes ovulation and tubal status; the hospital describes at least one patent tube and ovulation on that side as prerequisites. The clinician reviews the actual examination findings before recommending a plan.
Should donor sperm be purchased before the consultation?
Review the intended IUI or ICI approach with the hospital first. Product preparation, donor screening information and the amount required need to match the planned treatment. Use the donor sperm guide to prepare questions for the discussion.
What changes if frozen sperm is used?
Frozen sperm needs warming and handling before use. Fresh collection, where relevant, is coordinated with the procedure. In both cases, the team plans sperm preparation alongside ovulation monitoring.
What if an earlier attempt was unsuccessful?
Share the monitoring, semen preparation and treatment records for review. Further insemination or an IVF pathway is discussed in the context of those findings rather than chosen solely by the number of previous attempts. Read the comparison of IVF and insemination.
