The method of DI most commonly used is Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI). There are three IUI treatment options:

1. Natural Cycle Insemination – this does not involve any medication and follows the person’s natural menstrual cycle.
2. Clomiphene Citrate Ovulation Induction – this method involves the use of medication to stimulate the ovaries and cause or regulate ovulation. The use of this medication in combination with IUI has been shown to increase pregnancy rates over natural cycle IUI.
3. FSH Ovulation Induction – Ovarian stimulation is stronger with this option and it has been shown to increase pregnancy rates over Natural Cycle IUI and Clomiphene Citrate IUI. Regular monitoring of the patient is required to minimise complications relating to overstimulation.

The Insemination Procedure

The insemination procedure is usually performed by your treating specialist or a fertility coordinator. Your partner (if applicable) is welcome to attend the procedure, which is quick and usually painless – many describe it as similar to a Pap smear. When the procedure begins, you will lie down as you normally would for a pelvic exam. A speculum will be inserted and the donor sperm sample will be prepared for insertion. The sperm is placed all the way into the uterine cavity with a thin catheter and syringe. Your normal daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure.

Your pregnancy test should be performed about two weeks after the insemination. It is important to look after yourself in the first two weeks while waiting to have your pregnancy test.

The time between the insemination and your pregnancy test is often emotionally charged with expectation and anxiety. We understand this can be a difficult time and encourage you to call your clinic for support if you are finding it especially hard to deal with the stress of waiting.

If the procedure is unsuccessful we encourage you to have a follow-up appointment with your treating specialist. At this appointment, plans for further fertility treatment can be made and any questions you have can be answered.

PLEASE NOTE:

• As of 4th June 2020, people wishing to have assisted reproductive treatment in Victoria are no longer required to undergo a criminal records check and child protection order check. For further information please visit our page Legislative Requirements – Victoria.
• All treatment procedures are carried out at City Fertility in our RTAC (Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee)-accredited fertility clinics, where gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos are also stored.

Before going ahead with fertility treatment, please consider that each state has different legislation in regard to assisted reproductive treatment. We encourage you to refer to your own state legislation for more information and see one of our specialists to discuss your individual circumstances and explore your options.

Donor Insemination treatment is not recommended for:

• Those over 38-40 years of age
• People with tubal blockage or severe tubal damage
• Those with severe endometriosis

As each treatment cycle is structured to suit individual needs, costs will vary between patients depending on the level of service required.

Following your initial consultation with a Rainbow Fertility specialist, you will be given a booking for a complimentary pre-treatment information session with one of our experienced fertility coordinators and patient services administrators. All aspects of your fertility treatment, including the cost structure, will be discussed with you at this time. If you have any questions regarding treatment fees, Medicare and private health insurance rebates before this, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly patient services team. Call: 1300 222 623 or email: info@rainbowfertility.com.au

For general information about treatment fees, please visit our Treatment Costs page

• Infection – this may be more common in those with a history of pelvic infection.
• Overstimulation – some people’s ovaries may experience an excessive response to fertility drugs. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) occurs in a minority group of patients who over-respond. Symptoms include severe discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and dehydration. It is important that the clinic is notified immediately if any of these symptoms occur during your treatment, as hospitalisation may be required.
• Multiple Pregnancy – this has been shown to occur in up to 10 per cent of patients. If there are too many follicles seen on ultrasound before the IUI procedure, the risk of multiple pregnancy may be too high and the procedure may be cancelled.
• Failed Procedure – in a small number of cases, it is not possible to place the catheter into position through the cervix and the sperm cannot be inserted into the uterine cavity.