Lipiodol™ can be used in hysterosalpingography (HSG) which is an x-ray to confirm that the Fallopian tubes are open and the uterus shape is normal. Lipiodol™ is an iodine contrast agent that contains iodine and poppy seed oil which helps improve the clarity of the images obtained during x-ray examinations.
A large randomised control conducted in the Netherlands of couples with 12 months of infertility showed benefit of Lipiodol™ compared to water soluble contrast in achieving a live birth for at least six months (and out to three years) after the HSG with Lipiodol™.
Lipiodol™ Risks
When Lipiodol™ is used, it may be cause discomfort at the time it is placed into the uterus. Because it is oily, Lipiodol™ can affect breathing and respiratory function if it gets into the lungs at the time it is put into the uterus. This is called extravasation. Extravasation is rare but because of the risk of extravasation Lipiodol™ should always be instilled under x-ray control so any extravasation is detected promptly.
Lipiodol™ is very high in iodine and may affect thyroid function. You may be asked to recheck your thyroid function a few weeks after the Lipiodol™ or at the time your pregnancy test is positive.
Lipiodol™ Cost
Lipiodol™ does incur extra costs. For current price, speak to your Care Fertility doctor or contact us here.
A cycle monitor is a way to confirm exactly when you ovulate and gives some information about the quality of ovulation. A cycle monitor helps you understand when is the best time to have intercourse to increase your chances of pregnancy.
It involves having an ultrasound scan and blood tests from roughly day 8-10 of your menstrual cycle (though the day varies according to your cycle length) and again depending as to how the follicle is developing. Generally you can detect the surge of LH if you have daily blood tests at the appropriate time to confirm release of the egg.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure of placing washed sperm directly into the cavity of the uterus of the woman. The sperm preparation (washing) is performed by Care Fertility scientists.
Who is best suited for IUI treatment?
IUI is best for couples who are unable to complete coitus (sexual intercourse) or when donor sperm is being used to conceive the pregnancy. In couples who are using IUI to improve their chance of conception the couples generally should be young and the female should have fallopian tubes which are open and completely normal.
What does the IUI treatment involve?
Firstly, before starting IUI treatment, blood tests are required. The male who will provide the semen sample must have blood tests for infection (hepatitis, syphilis and HIV/AIDS). The female having the IUI, is required to have the same blood tests and all the blood tests performed before pregnancy. (antenatal screening tests)
IUI should be performed close to the time of ovulation when the female’s, which is determined by an ultrasound scan and blood test.
The preparation of the sperm is performed at Care Fertility (which takes about two hours). IUI treatment is performed at Care Fertility under the supervision of a doctor, and is often performed by staff of Care Fertility who have been trained in the technique. Alternatively the sample sample is taken to the doctor’s consulting rooms for IUI by the doctor.
Are there any risks of IUI?
There is a small risk of infection in the fallopian tubes with IUI which is estimated at 1:500. Occasionally there is slight discomfort during the procedure but this is minimal.
What is the success rate of IUI?
Success rates with IUI vary according to the cause of infertility and the age of the female and male but are lower than success rates of IVF. If clomiphene is used the success rate is 6% per cycle if the couple have been trying to conceive for 2 or more years. If FSH is used the success rate is 8-13% per cycle if the couple have been trying to conceive for 2 or more years. If a woman is using donated sperm or is unable to have coitus natural cycle IUI (no medications used to stimulate ovulation) may be used and the success rates vary from 10% (frozen donated sperm) to 20% (fresh sperm from partner).
Ovulation induction is a treatment for infrequent, poor quality or absent ovulation. Having a defect of ovulation is the most treatable form of infertility and use of assisted reproductive technology such as IVF is often not required. There are many options for inducing ovulation in women with ovulatory disturbances.
Who is it for?
- Many women with ovulatory disturbances have PCOS.
- Woman with an ovulatory disturbances, and a partner with good quality sperm and normal tubes
- Woman with a BMI of under 35kg/m2
What is the Ovulation Induction procedure?
Before commencing ovulation induction the woman’s partner needs to arrange a seminal fluid analysis (also known as a sperm test) to ensure the quality of the semen is normal.
For woman who have a past history of sexually transmitted infection such as Chlamydial infection or have had pelvic surgery or appendicitis, sometimes require the Fallopian tubes to be checked to ensure they are open. The Fallopian tubes are checked by an operation called a laparoscopy or an X-ray or ultrasound. The X-ray or ultrasound do not require anaesthetic or sedation.
Once the couple have made a decision to undertake ovulation induction and the preparation is complete there are a number of means of inducing ovulation. Some are pills taken by mouth and some are injections of follicle stimulating hormone. With women who have PCOS, ovulation can be induced by ovarian drilling.
