Insemination (IUI, intrauterine insemination) is a proven and gentle treatment for an unfulfilled wish to have children. It is particularly suitable for slightly reduced sperm quality, unexplained infertility, and for women with open fallopian tubes.
At our fertility clinic in Zurich, we perform inseminations tailored individually to the natural cycle or after mild hormonal stimulation.
During insemination, the partner’s sperm is first specially prepared in the laboratory. The most motile sperm are then introduced directly into the uterus using a very thin, soft catheter.
The procedure:
Before treatment, we check the most important prerequisites so we can assess the chances of success as accurately as possible.
For insemination to be successful, at least one fallopian tube should be open. We check this with hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy).
After menstruation, a fine balloon catheter is inserted into the uterus. A special ultrasound contrast agent is then introduced, and its flow through the fallopian tubes can be seen directly on ultrasound. The examination is performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes only a few minutes.
During insemination, the partner’s sperm is first specially prepared in the laboratory. The most motile sperm are then introduced directly into the uterus using a very thin, soft catheter.
The procedure:
Depending on age, the cause of the wish to have children and sperm quality, the pregnancy rate is up to around 15% per treatment cycle. The best chances of success are for women under 40 and with careful selection of suitable patients.
For women under 40, many Swiss health insurers generally cover up to three inseminations, provided the medical requirements are met.
Some health insurers also contribute to the costs for women over 40 if the individual chances of success are favourable. We will be happy to clarify your personal coverage directly with your health insurer before treatment begins.
During insemination (IUI – intrauterine insemination), specially prepared sperm are introduced directly into the uterus at the optimal time. This shortens the path of the sperm to the egg cell, and the probability of fertilization can be increased. The treatment is straightforward and performed on an outpatient basis.
Insemination can be advisable, for example, in cases of slightly impaired sperm quality, problems with sexual intercourse, or an unexplained cause of an unfulfilled desire to have children. A prerequisite is usually that at least one fallopian tube is patent and a sufficient number of motile sperm are present.
Often, egg maturation is first monitored by ultrasound and, if necessary, supported by mild hormonal stimulation. As soon as a follicle is sufficiently mature, ovulation can be triggered precisely. At the optimal time, the sperm are prepared in the laboratory and then introduced directly into the uterus with a thin catheter.
Insemination is usually not painful and takes only a few minutes. The insertion of the thin catheter can be briefly perceived as uncomfortable, similar to a gynecological examination. Anesthesia is not required, and you can leave the clinic immediately afterward.
Not necessarily. Insemination can be performed both in a natural cycle and in combination with hormonal stimulation. Which option is advisable depends, among other things, on the cycle, age, and the cause of the unfulfilled desire to have children. We determine the individual treatment plan with you.
The probability of pregnancy depends on various factors – particularly the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, the cause of the unfulfilled desire to have children, and sperm quality. The number of previous treatment cycles also plays a role. After an individual assessment, we can better estimate your personal chances of success.
Whether and how many inseminations are advisable depends on the individual situation. Often, several treatment cycles are performed. If pregnancy does not occur, we will discuss together whether further inseminations are appropriate or if, for example, an IVF or ICSI treatment offers higher chances of success.
For insemination, a fresh semen sample is usually required on the day of treatment. The sperm are then prepared in the laboratory, and the particularly motile sperm are selected for insemination. You will receive the exact organizational instructions from us before the treatment.
Generally, you can resume your normal daily routine after insemination. Bed rest is not required. Normal physical activity is also generally possible. We will discuss individual recommendations, for example, after hormonal stimulation, with you personally.
A pregnancy test is usually advisable approximately two weeks after insemination. A test taken too early, especially after medication-induced ovulation, can lead to a misleading result. We will inform you after the insemination when the optimal time for the pregnancy test is.
In Switzerland, under certain conditions, up to three insemination cycles per pregnancy are covered by mandatory health insurance. Accompanying hormonal stimulation can also be covered if there is a corresponding medical indication. We are happy to clarify cost coverage with your health insurance company or submit a cost approval request.