Assisted Reproduction and Fertility Preservation
IUI Suitability Assessment
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the most commonly used fertility treatments. However, it is not suitable for every case of male infertility.
An IUI suitability assessment evaluates whether a semen sample has the characteristics required to achieve the best possible outcome following specialised laboratory preparation (sperm preparation/sperm washing).
The assessment includes evaluation of:
- Sperm concentration
- Progressive motility
- Sperm morphology
- Post-wash Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC)
- Other semen characteristics that may influence treatment success
The results help fertility specialists determine whether IUI is the most appropriate treatment or whether another assisted reproductive technique, such as IVF or ICSI, is more likely to offer the best chance of success.
When is an IUI Suitability Assessment Recommended?
An IUI suitability assessment is recommended before every intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle to determine whether the semen sample is suitable for treatment following laboratory preparation. The decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of semen quality, post-wash sperm parameters and the couple’s overall fertility assessment.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a safe, minimally invasive fertility treatment designed to increase the chances of natural fertilisation by placing a carefully prepared sperm sample directly into the uterine cavity at the time of ovulation.
The procedure is performed in a licensed Assisted Reproduction Unit and is carefully timed to coincide with ovulation, either during a natural menstrual cycle or following mild ovarian stimulation.
On the day of treatment, the semen sample undergoes specialised laboratory processing (sperm preparation) to isolate the healthiest, most motile sperm while removing seminal plasma and other unwanted cells and debris.
The prepared sperm sample is then gently introduced into the uterus using a fine, flexible catheter. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, does not require anaesthesia, and most women experience little or no discomfort.
The success of IUI depends on several factors, including the woman’s age, semen quality, the underlying cause of infertility and careful patient selection. For this reason, every couple undergoes a comprehensive fertility assessment to determine whether IUI is the most appropriate treatment option.
Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Painful?
No. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a quick and generally painless procedure that takes only a few minutes and does not require anaesthesia. Most women experience little or no discomfort, although some may feel mild cramping similar to that of a routine gynaecological examination. In most cases, patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.
What Are the Success Rates of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
The success of intrauterine insemination (IUI) depends on several factors, including the woman’s age, semen quality, the underlying cause and duration of infertility, and careful patient selection. An individual fertility assessment is essential to estimate the likelihood of success and determine whether IUI is the most appropriate treatment option for each couple.
Sperm Freezing and Cryopreservation
Sperm cryopreservation is a well-established fertility preservation technique that allows semen samples to be safely stored in liquid nitrogen for extended periods, preserving a man’s opportunity to have biological children in the future.
Every year, thousands of healthy babies are born worldwide using cryopreserved sperm, making this a safe, reliable and widely used option in reproductive medicine.
Sperm cryopreservation is recommended for:
- Men who are about to undergo fertility-threatening medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Men scheduled for surgical procedures that may affect their fertility, such as varicocele surgery or other reproductive tract operations.
- Men who wish to preserve their fertility for personal or social reasons, including before a vasectomy, prolonged travel, military deployment or other circumstances that may delay family planning.
- Men whose occupation exposes them to fertility risks, such as toxic chemicals, radiation or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Couples preparing for assisted reproductive treatment (ART), including IVF or ICSI.
- Men with a low sperm count or poor sperm quality who wish to preserve sperm for future family building.
- Men who choose to delay fatherhood and wish to preserve their fertility for future reproductive plans.
When Is Sperm Cryopreservation Recommended?
Sperm cryopreservation is recommended before treatments that may affect fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, prior to certain surgical procedures, or whenever a man or couple wishes to preserve their future reproductive potential. It is also an appropriate option for fertility preservation before assisted reproductive treatment or in situations where sperm collection may be difficult at a later stage.
How Safe Is Sperm Cryopreservation?
Sperm cryopreservation is a well-established, safe and effective method of fertility preservation. When performed using validated freezing protocols and stored under appropriate conditions, frozen sperm can remain viable for many years while maintaining its fertilising potential.
How Many Semen Samples Should Be Cryopreserved?
The recommended number of samples depends on semen quality, the individual’s fertility status and future reproductive plans. In most cases, 4–6 semen samples are recommended to maximise future treatment options, although your fertility specialist may advise a different number based on your specific circumstances.