Insemination (IUI)
What is insemination?
In Norway, we have two forms of assisted fertilization: Insemination (IUI) in which the woman is given the sperm vaginally and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Through a fertility check, we determine which procedure is right for you, but we USUALLY recommend IVF to heterosexual couples and donor insemination for lesbians.
Who is insemination for?
Insemination is a simple method of treatment we use when:
- The couple is two women
- When we do not see a plausible reason why the pregnancy is not occurring
- Various reasons make it difficult for sperm to get into the uterine cavity
- Some men are unable to get their ejaculate far enough into the woman’s vagina
Our donor sperm comes from Denmark. We skillfully make the donor selection and include you in the process.
How does the insemination treatment take place?
Some women will need stimulation with drugs to ensure egg development and ovulation. When not needed, we perform the insemination in the natural cycle. We assess each case to determine the right approach.
1. Ultrasound examination
Some women will need stimulation with drugs to ensure egg development and ovulation. When not needed, we perform the insemination in the natural cycle. We assess each case to determine the right approach.
2. Ovulation
It is important for the insemination to occur at the right time — during ovulation. So, when the egg reaches the right size, the woman is told when she can begin ovulation tests at home (testing the LH level in urine) or use an ovulation syringe, if needed. If more than three eggs develop during ovulation, we interrupt treatment or switch to IVF to avoid multiple pregnancies.
3. The sperm is inseminated
Before insemination, we purify the semen to get the greatest concentration of sperm. Then, it is inseminated into the woman’s uterus through a thin catheter. In a few minutes it’s done, it is simple and painless. Next, the fertilization in the woman’s body happens naturally.
4. Time for pregnancy test
Then, 14 days after insemination you’ll find out if the treatment was successful, either using a pregnancy test at home or a blood test prescription from us. The blood sample will provide more information than a home pregnancy test.
5. The road ahead
If the test is positive, the next step will be an ultrasound examination after 5 weeks (i.e., Pregnancy Week 7). If you live far away, we can refer you to at a local gynecologist or nearby hospital for the ultrasound. If the treatment is not successful, you will receive advice and guidance on the way forward.
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