WHAT IS SLOW RELEASE INSEMINATION (SRI)- EVIE
Evie is a small single-use pump that slowly releases sperm into the uterus over four hours via a balloon catheter and an insemination syringe.
Unlike standard Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), which propels the sperm solution in to the uterus immediately, EVIE mimics nature by slowly and gently releasing the sperm maximising the opportunity for the sperm to reach the egg and increasing the opportunity for fertilisation.
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Increased pregnancy rate - Clinical trials have shown EVIE, via slow release insemination, more than doubles the chance of pregnancy compared to standard IUI (for women under 35 years of age).
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Cost effective - fraction of the cost of an IVF cycle
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Reduced risk of lost sperm discharging into the pelvic cavity
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Less invasive compared to more complex procedures such as IVF
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Reduced risk of polyspermia and immunological reactions
WHY DOES SRI IMPROVE SUCCESS RATES?
- Increased duration of potential contact between sperm and egg
- Decreased risk of sperm flowing back into the vagina
- Decreased risk of sperm discharging into the abdomen via fallopian tubes
- Avoids risk of possible polyspermia (when the ovum has been fertilized by more than one sperm, which leads to a non-viable zygote). This may occur because of stronger sperm competition with bolus IUI as the sperm are too efficient at reaching and fertilizing the ovum.
- Avoids risk of triggering an immune reaction
WHO IS EVIE-SRI SUITABLE FOR
EVIE may be recommended as a first line fertility treatment if one or more of the following apply
- A couple with unexplained infertility
- Your partner has mild male sub-fertility
- You have Endometriosis (grade1 or 2) and have intact fallopian tubes
- Woman has cervical mucus problem
- Man has anti sperm antibodies
- Ejaculation not possible due to impotence or vaginismus
- Retrograde ejaculation (where the semen travel backwards in the bladder)
For more information on EVIE IUI please contact our clinic for a consult
For more information on EVIE click on this link
http://fertiligent.com/
PRIOR TO THE VISIT
When you leave the clinic the EVIE device will be strapped to your right thigh. Whilst it is small and discreet, it may be visible and uncomfortable if clothes are tight fitting. We recommend a loose skirt or dress that is at least knee length and, so as to avoid discomfort with the catheter, larger and looser style briefs are advisable. Tights should be avoided.
We recommend, in the interest of your comfort, that you visit the bathroom prior to having your EVIE device fitted.
DURING THE VISIT
As each clinic varies, it's best to ask your clinic staff about when you’ll need to arrive and when you’ll be ready to leave. As a guide, by the time you arrive the sperm (whether from your partner or a donor) will have been prepared in readiness for your treatment. Sperm preparation can take around an hour. Your actual procedure will take around 15 minutes.
EVIE is similar to a regular IUI procedure and is a less invasive than other fertility treatments such as IVF and ICSI. The process is similar to that encountered at other routine examinations, such as a smear. A thin catheter is placed into the uterus. This is generally a simple and quick process. As with similar procedures, you may experience mild cramping. Your doctor may suggest that you take mild pain relief to minimise this. Once the device is in place, the doctor will note the “Start Time” and “End Time” and will talk you through the simple process of removing the device after four hours. You will be given a copy of the start and end times and instructions for removal, as a reminder.
AFTER THE VISIT
The procedure with EVIE is simple, quick and convenient and enables you to leave the clinic soon after your EVIE device is in place and activated.
Whilst you are free to drive and walk around, we recommend that you relax in a comfortable position for the duration of the four hour treatment. You should try to avoid sudden vigorous movement of the device or catheter whilst the EVIE process is in progress. You can visit the bathroom but we recommend that, in order to minimise any risk of infection, you avoid bowel movements, if at all possible. Physical exercise and intercourse should be avoided until the device has been removed.
The Doctor will have described the process to you and provided a copy of the “Instructions for Removal”.
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Once the four hours have elapsed, push Button 2 firmly until it moves inward. Make sure the button remains depressed for a few seconds, or press several times. By pressing this button you are ensuring that all of the sperm is used.
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Important – open the stopcock on the catheter to deflate the balloon on end of the catheter. Removing the catheter with the balloon inflated may cause pain. A small amount of fluid previously used to inflate the balloon will be released. This is nothing to worry about and should not be confused with sperm.
- Slowly and gently withdraw the catheter.
- Once you have removed the catheter you can release the leg strap and remove the device.
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Place the entire device, including the catheter and leg strap, in the disposal bag supplied and discard in the normal household waste. The device and catheter should not be put with waste for recycling.
In the unlikely event you do experience any issues during use or removal of your EVIE device, you should contact the clinic for advice.
Any side effects are likely to be very minor. These may include spotting and mild cramping. There is a very small risk of infection following any procedure of this nature. If you notice any bleeding (other than spotting) or if you feel unwell, you should telephone the clinic for advice.