In some situations couples may only require limited intervention. This can be achieved by accurately determining the time of ovulation for the female. Hormone levels are measured commencing on Day 2 then and Day 8 or 9 of the cycle until the day of anticipated ovulation is pinpointed. The blood results in addition to an ultrasound scan to track the growth of the of follicles will establish the optimum time of ovulation. Intercourse should occur as close as possible to ovulation.
A timed intercourse treatment cycle is commenced and ovulation induction involves hormonal stimulation of the ovaries. Hormone stimulation will assist in the production and release of eggs. It will also further improve the embryo's chance of implanting successfully in the lining of the uterus.
IUI can be offered to patients with or without ovarian stimulation. However, the clinical team at CFC believe that the success rate of this programme is largely dependent on additional hormonal stimulation to assist in producing eggs.Oestrogen levels, together with endometrial thickness, follicular size and sperm delivery are extremely important to the success of the IUI programme. When ovulation occurs, the male partner will be required to produce a semen sample, which is prepared in the laboratory for insemination.
Donor sperm intra-uterine insemination is offered to couples when male partner does not produce any live sperm, or does not produce sufficient sperm to achieve fertilsation (this is considered after all other avenues of treatment have been explored in the male factor area e.g. ICSI).
DIUI is also available to single women. Your clinician will counsel you before donor treatment has begun and you will be asked to sign consent forms. Counselling with an approved fertility counsellor is a requirement prior to this treatment. Donors are screened to ensure they have no known transmittable conditions. You are entitled to non-indentifying information about the donor (e.g. his blood group, ethnic background, age, height, hair, eye colour and talents).