Guide for Singles and Couples Undergoing Insemination Treatment (IUI = Intrauterine Insemination)
This guide applies to those undergoing insemination with the husband's sperm (IUI-H) or donor sperm (IUI-D).
Which Treatment Should I Have?
There are several possible treatments. At your first consultation at the clinic, the doctor and nurse will explain the appropriate treatment for you and provide additional guidance on any necessary medication. You will also receive a plan detailing the number of treatments offered, as this depends on individual factors.
Treatment Without Hormones
Used for women with regular menstrual cycles where hormone stimulation is not desired.
Treatment with Tablets to Stimulate the Ovaries
Used for women without a menstrual cycle, with irregular menstrual cycles, or those who have tried to conceive with their partner but need more than one egg follicle.
Treatment with FSH Injections (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
Used for women who have not responded sufficiently to ovarian stimulation tablets or those who need FSH for other reasons.
The Treatment Process
Insemination treatment is used for couples where the man's sperm quality is normal or slightly reduced, and for singles or couples using donor sperm. The woman's fallopian tubes must be open as confirmed by a prior passage examination.
In the month you start treatment, scans of the ovaries and uterine lining will be performed to determine the most suitable day for insemination. Ultrasound scans are always performed transvaginally for the clearest image.
An ovulation-triggering injection, Ovitrelle, is administered to ensure ovulation occurs at the optimal time. You will be instructed on how to use this injection.
The semen sample is processed before it is used for insemination. During insemination, the sperm cells are placed in the uterus using a catheter, increasing the number of sperm cells near the egg, reducing the distance they need to travel. Insemination is performed around the time of ovulation when the chance of fertilization is highest.
There are no restrictions regarding sexual activity during insemination treatment. However, if donor sperm is used, condoms must be used during intercourse to avoid uncertainty about the child's biological parentage in case of pregnancy.
Consent for Treatment
It is important to sign the consent form before starting treatment. This will be reviewed during the first consultation at the fertility clinic.
The Clinic
The fertility clinic is located on section 4071, entrance 4, 7th floor. You must check in at our check-in station or at the reception desk.
The Process at the Clinic
Once the appropriate treatment is determined, you will receive detailed information, repeated at the start of treatment, along with written material to complement the verbal information.
The number of ultrasound scans required before setting the insemination date varies, typically ranging from 1-3 scans.
Insemination is performed between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, taking about 30 minutes. You can go to work after the procedure and walk or cycle home.
The insemination itself takes only a few minutes, where the sperm cells are placed in the uterus using a catheter. This increases the number of sperm cells near the egg, reducing the distance they need to travel. The procedure is generally without discomfort, and you can leave immediately afterwards. We advise against taking baths, swimming, or going to the beach in the days following insemination due to a slightly increased risk of infection.
16 days after insemination, you can take a home urine pregnancy test, preferably with morning urine as it is most concentrated.
Sperm for Insemination
Partner's Sperm: The man delivers a fresh semen sample at 8:15 AM on the day of insemination. The sample is collected at home unless you live more than a couple of hours away, in which case alternatives will be discussed with the clinic. Instructions and a container for the sample are provided when the insemination date is set.
Donor Sperm from the Sperm Bank: If using donor sperm, the donor straw must be ordered from the sperm bank by you for each cycle when you are scheduled for treatment. Information on ordering sperm will be provided at the first consultation.
Pregnancy Test
Positive Urine Pregnancy Test: If the test is positive, schedule a pregnancy hormone blood test (s-hcg) with the secretaries. If this test is positive, you will get an appointment for an early pregnancy scan about 3 weeks later. If everything is fine at this scan, you can contact your GP for further care. You are welcome to bring a relative or your partner to the scan.
Negative Urine Pregnancy Test or Menstruation: If the test is negative and/or you get your period, you can register for a new treatment on the first day of your period via Min SP. The nurse performing the insemination will review the plan for a potential new treatment.
What is the Chance of Pregnancy After Insemination Treatment?
The chance of becoming pregnant after treatment with the husband's sperm is about 10-15% per treatment. After treatment with donor sperm, the chance is about 15-20%.
If You Do Not Become Pregnant After Insemination Treatments
If pregnancy is not achieved after the agreed number of treatments, further treatment options will be discussed. If we can offer IVF treatments (in vitro fertilization), we will provide more information in connection with the last planned insemination treatment.
Registration for Treatment
When you or your partner starts your period and want to register for treatment, you must do so via MinSP:
Steps to Register:
- Open the MinSP app on your phone or visit minsundhedsplatform.dk on your computer.
- Click on the envelope icon.
- Click on "Write to us".
- Select "Fertility Clinic Rigshospitalet".
- Choose "Booking/Appointments".
- In the subject line, write "Registration".
- Provide the following information:
- 1st day of your period.
- Height.
- Weight.
- Whether you/your partner have used birth control pills and when the last pill was taken.
- If registering your partner, remember to include her CPR number.
- You can also write a message if there is something specific you want us to know, such as if you are in a meeting between 12:00-2:00 PM or if we should call your partner with the information.
- Click "Send".
The secretaries will receive your registration and will check the inbox for registrations. Every weekday and Saturday, we gather the registrations at 12:00 PM and call back between 12:00-2:00 PM to inform you if there is a spot available and the plan. This is also when you will receive instructions on if and when to start medication and when to come for a scan.
Denied Treatment Start?
Sometimes, we must unfortunately deny treatment start as only a certain number of new insemination treatments can be initiated per day. If there is no space in the schedule, you will need to register again next month. Any refusal will be noted in the journal for consideration the following month.
Holiday Closure
Treatment is conducted every day, including weekends and short holidays. However, no treatments are given during the summer and Christmas holidays. You can inquire about the exact closure dates, which will also be posted on our website.
Best regards, The Fertility Clinic Staff