Artificial insemination (AI) is a procedure which is appropriate for couples with unexplained sub-fertility, ie, those in whom there are no obvious problems with sperm quality, tubal patency or ovulation. An ovulation inducing drug will be used if the woman is not producing eggs on her own.

At the time of ovulation the husband's sperm is prepared in the laboratory, and the sperm sample is introduced into the uterus.

Sometimes an intramuscular injection is given when the follicles have reached an appropriate size. This will trigger ovulation and insemination is performed that day or the following day.

The success rates for intrauterine insemination vary between 10% and 20% per cycle. We find that most successes occur in the first or second cycle. If two cycles of artificial insemination are not successful for a couple with unexplained infertility, we review the situation and look at IVF.