22 Jul Things You Should Know About Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

If you and your partner are having difficulty getting pregnant, you may have to look into different fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is a relatively simple procedure that can help increase your chances of conception.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination, also called artificial insemination, involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This allows the sperm to get closer to the egg, bypassing some of the journey through the cervix and uterus that occurs with natural conception.
IUI is often one of the first fertility treatments recommended, especially in cases of
• unexplained infertility
• low sperm count
• mobility issues with the sperm
It may also be an option for single women or same-sex couples using donor sperm.

The IUI Process

The first step is tracking your ovulation cycle, often using ovulation predictor kits, ultrasounds, or bloodwork. Once ovulation is detected, your doctor will schedule the IUI procedure.

For the IUI, your partner will need to provide a semen sample, which is “washed” or prepared in a lab to isolate the healthiest, most mobile sperm. If using donor sperm, it has already undergone this process.

During the IUI itself, a thin, flexible catheter is threaded through the cervix, and the prepared sperm sample is gently injected into the uterus. The procedure is quick, taking only a few minutes, and you can leave the clinic right after.

IUI is typically done around the time of ovulation, sometimes with fertility medications to stimulate ovulation or produce multiple eggs. Your doctor will advise on whether medications are appropriate for your situation.

Success Rates of IUI

The success rates for IUI can vary based on factors like the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, the use of fertility drugs, and whether donor sperm was used.

Success rates tend to be lower for women over 40 or with more severe infertility factors.

IUI is less invasive and more affordable than more advanced fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, IVF tends to have higher success rates per cycle, especially for women with blocked fallopian tubes or severe male-factor infertility.

Your doctor, ideally the best infertility doctor, can review your specific situation and advise whether IUI or another approach may be the best female infertility treatment or male infertility treatment option for you.

Preparing for IUI

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your IUI cycle:
• Time intercourse appropriately around your fertile window, if applicable.
• Take any prescribed fertility medications exactly as directed.
• Avoid lubricants around ovulation, as some may be toxic to sperm.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
• Discuss any necessary supplemental progesterone treatment post-IUI.

After the IUI

After the IUI, you’ll need to take a pregnancy test about two weeks later to see if it was successful. Avoid intense exercise for a day or so, but otherwise, you can resume normal activities right away.

If the IUI is not successful, your doctor may recommend trying again with adjustments like different medication dosages. Most experts suggest no more than 3-6 cycles of IUI before considering other options like IVF.

IUI can be a good first step for many couples facing infertility. While not a guarantee of success, it is a relatively affordable, non-invasive way to increase the chances of conception each cycle.

Be sure to work closely with a fertility specialist to understand your options and develop the right plan for your situation, whether that involves IUI, other female infertility treatments, male infertility treatments, or advanced methods like IVF.