Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
IUI is one type of assisted reproduction that can help people or couples who are having trouble conceiving begin the family they have always wanted. Let's go over what you should know about IUI.
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
A technique called intrauterine insemination (IUI), sometimes referred to as donor insemination or artificial insemination, involves inserting sperm within the uterus in order to improve the likelihood that healthy sperm will approach the egg and enhance the likelihood of successful fertilization.
During ovulation, the sperm enters the uterus. A pregnancy would follow from the sperm swimming to the fallopian tube and fertilizing the egg, which is the ideal outcome of the IUI technique.
Individuals and couples opt for IUI for a variety of reasons, including those facing infertility challenges, lesbian couples seeking to conceive, single mothers choosing to start a family, and more. The IUI process involves careful planning, from ovarian stimulation to triggering ovulation, sperm preparation, and the insemination procedure itself. Success rates for IUI vary based on factors like age and underlying fertility issues, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment plans.
Good Candidates for IUI
Determining whether or not IUI is right for you is something to be considered with your Reproductive Endocrinologist. IUI is a viable option for many people. With personalized care and attention to factors like age and underlying fertility issues, IUI offers hope for those dreaming of starting a family.
Struggle to conceive naturally
Experience male factor infertility due to low sperm count or sperm motility
Men with erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems
Women with cervical mucus problems
Women who have trouble ovulating regularly
Women with high-quality eggs
Poor Candidates for IUI
While IUI is helpful for a number of patients experiencing infertility, there are certain situations in which it's not an ideal treatment option.
Severe endometriosis
Severe male factor infertility
Disease affecting the fallopian tubes
Medical history of pelvic adhesions
The IUI Process Step-By-Step
The IUI process can be paired with hormonal stimulation or a natural cycle and is a swift, painless procedure carried out during ovulation. Below we have included hormonal stimulation in our explanation for added context, make sure to ask your fertility doctor what to expect in your personalized treatment plan.
Ovarian stimulation starts 2-4 days into the woman's cycle. You'll start taking fertility medication to facilitate egg development. You can either take the medication for typically 5 or 10 days. Multiple visits to the doctor's office can be needed during this stage to keep track of ovarian development and to determine the next step.
During the medicated IUI cycle ovulation is triggered by another medication. The trigger medication is usually taken after the follicles reach adequate size. IUI is done after being confirmed with ultrasound. The IUI procedure is scheduled for 48 hours after the ovulation predictor shows a positive result.
For a successful IUI procedure, there needs to be a careful analysis of the semen. Sperm samples are taken from donors and evaluated for morphology, motility, and count. The sperm is prepared to increase the chances of insemination success and goes through a special washing procedure.
For a successful IUI procedure, there needs to be a careful analysis of the semen. Sperm samples are taken from donors and evaluated for morphology, motility, and count. The sperm is prepared to increase the chances of insemination success and goes through a special washing procedure.
The Couple reports to the doctor's office for the insemination procedure. The procedure is done with the patient in a reclined position, similar to a routine Pap smear. The physician confirms if the sperm being used is correct and slides the catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. The sperm is washed and drawn into a catheter and the vagina and cervix are also cleaned. After the sperm has been successfully deposited, the catheter is removed.
It's a simple procedure that does not need any anesthesia and only lasts for about 5-10 minutes. You'll not feel any discomfort other than maybe some mild cramping.
Following the intrauterine insemination, patients will remain lying down for just a bit longer before sitting up and getting dressed. Patients can return to their normal daily routing immediately after the procedure is performed. Some light spotting is not uncommon for a day or two after IUI has been performed. Mild cramping is also a common side effect following IUI.
Intrauterine Insemination Success Rates & Factors
The success rate for IUI for the procedure depends on several factors, which include age and underlying fertility challenges. Let's explore IUI success rates within these two segments.
Intended Mother's Age
As a woman ages, the conception rates drop due to egg quality. Because of this, IUI isn’t usually recommended for intended mothers over 40, in these instances your fertility doctor may suggest in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) or an alternative fertility treatment.
Below are IUI success rates based on female age:
Early 30s or younger, can anticipate a 20-25% IUI success rate
30-35, can anticipate a 15-20% IUI success rate
35-40 have a 10% IUI success rate
By early 40s, the success rates drop to approximately 5%
Underlying Fertility Issues
Women who have irregular menstrual cycles or don't ovulate will typically need the additional help of fertility medication to conceive. Through a diagnosis, the doctor may identify issues that can affect your success rate. By clearly identifying any underlying fertility issues, your doctor will be able to best guide you with a personalized treatment plan.