[LokiDan]

Hi all
We have been advised by FS to go down the AI path this time round. We didn't do it on either of our previous pregnancies.

Can anyone tell me the difference between AI and IUI. Are they the same thing just given different names?

Also can anyone give me some idea what to expect?

Thanks so much

[Sassy Dingo]

My understanding is that artificial insemination is basically getting a syringe of semen and depositing it at the top of the vagina. I haven't had one, but I've had an IUI.

I have PCOS and was using clomid and was having monitoring ultrasounds to see how the clomid was going. The Dr noticed one very large excellent follicle so he suggested an IUI the next day. He gave me a drug to make sure I ovulate - ovidrel? And given a cup to give to my DH.

The next day, DH had to get up early to provide his 'sample'. We then took it to a clinic to get it 'washed' (I know a lot of FS have facilities to do this at their practice, but mine didn't). We waited around for half an hour while they did that then were presented with the washed sperm. I was told to put it in my cleavage to keep at room temperature for the trip back to the FS clinic.

The procedure took about 10 minutes - speculum, little tube into womb and he shot the sperm down the tube. Lay down for 10 tens or so then was good to go home. I was a bit crampy that day but nothing serious.

Got my BFP a fortnight or so later

[Froyo]

Yep, as the PP said, AI is depositing sperm in the top of the vagina near the cervix, IUI involves passing a cathether through the cervix so the sperm can be deposited in the uterus, up near the appropriate fallopian tube.

This post has been edited by Froyo: 15/01/2013, 11:11 PM

[LokiDan]

Thanks so much for your very helpful replies!

Does anyone know if IUI is more successful than AI? being that it goes past the cervix and the mucus there that can cause havoc with sperm etc

Thanks again

[FaithHopeLove]

IUI is more sucessful than AI however it isnt a huge amount.

Funny but true - my first round was AI and i wasvtold i had around the same chance as a normal healthy couple trying to conceive naturally. 20%. The next round was IUI and was told that would increase the chances slightly. to what i asked? 20% now i have drugged support to try for two eggs to increase my chances again... to about 20%! seems that is the figure they always use

[NFP]

MY RE calls IUI, AI. I had 4 AI's and i can assure you the sperm were definitely inserted into my uterus. So i think it just comes down to what term they prefer to use.

This post has been edited by number4please: 16/01/2013, 09:02 AM

[countrymel]

Slightly OT but my sister came with me to an early IVF appointment. She (in the medical field) was asking all the technical questions for me... alas my BIL was once involved in a animal health trial where he was artificially inseminating a particular type of stock animal.

She brought that up.
I then learned that my FS had spent some time observing the program!! And 'studying some of their developments..'

At this point I think he noticed my horrified look and went to great pains to reassure me that it was 'Far, far more refined than that' for me!

[Bwok~Bwok]

IUI & AI are the same thing.

It depends on where you are having the IUI - if you have it at a Fertility Clinic (like myself) the day before or day of O, DP would go into the clinic an hour before me, where he gave his sample and they would wash it. I would then go in, a clampy thing (can't remember what it's called) was put around the cervix (didn't hurt) and then a small catheter syringe was inserted into the uterus and then I had to lay there for about 30 mins afterwards.

ETA: ICI /IVI is where it is inserted into the vagina or into the cervix.


ETA AGAIN: my brain is moosh this morning!

This post has been edited by Bwok~Bwok: 16/01/2013, 09:01 AM

[LokiDan]

Thanks so much for everyones wonderful posts :-)
I am now armed with some info and questions when I go for my scan next week :-)

[NSG]

Awesome topic LokiDan. Very helpful for lots of us considering our next steps.....