IUI Treatment
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What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility technique where sperm, prepared in the lab, is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This method increases the chance of fertilization by helping more high-quality sperm reach the uterus and ultimately the egg.
How IUI Works
Compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF), IUI is simpler and less invasive. It involves placing the prepared sperm into the uterus, usually timed with the body’s natural ovulation cycle. Fertility medications may be used to encourage egg production. Either partner or donor sperm can be used for IUI, with donor insemination (DI) as an option.
IUI vs IVF
- IUI places sperm directly into the uterus, while IVF involves fertilizing eggs in a lab before transferring an embryo to the uterus.
- IUI is generally less invasive and more cost-effective.
- IVF has a higher success rate due to controlled embryo monitoring and selection.
- IUI cycles are shorter but often require multiple attempts.
Is IUI Right for You?
IUI is commonly recommended for couples trying to conceive for over a year who face challenges with low sperm count or motility. In IUI, lab preparation of the sperm helps improve the chance of conception. However, IUI requires that the woman’s fallopian tubes are open and her ovarian reserve, measured by AMH levels, is healthy. Single women who are fertile and using donor sperm may also consider IUI as a starting option.
When IUI May Not Be Suitable
IUI may be less effective for individuals with certain fertility challenges, including:
- Female factor infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- Poor sperm quality
- Mild endometriosis
Studies show it may not increase pregnancy chances in these cases.
IUI Treatment Process
- Consultation: Before starting IUI, you and your partner will complete fertility tests. A specialist will review these results with you in your consultation, discuss your options, and help determine if IUI is the right choice.
- Ovulation: IUI can be done with natural ovulation, though fertility drugs may be prescribed if ovulation issues exist, such as irregular cycles. The timing of the procedure is critical, aligning precisely with ovulation, which is monitored via ultrasound. If medications are prescribed to induce ovulation after the last ultrasound confirmation of follicle development, IUI is scheduled 36 hours later.
- Sperm Preparation: Once ovulation is confirmed, the sperm sample from either your partner or a donor is processed in the lab and prepared for insemination.
- IUI Procedure: The prepared sperm sample is attached to a thin, flexible plastic tube, which is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, and sperm is then released. The process is brief, and while some individuals may feel mild cramps, discomfort typically subsides quickly.
- Monitoring and Waiting Period: After IUI, you’ll wait for two weeks before testing for pregnancy, with monitoring provided as necessary.
- Pregnancy Test: After two weeks, if there is no period, a pregnancy test can be done. A positive result will lead to a follow-up blood test and ultrasound at the clinic to confirm pregnancy. If the IUI was not successful, our team is available to discuss further treatment options.
Are There Any Risks with IUI?
IUI is a low-risk procedure, though potential risks include:
- Minor infection following the procedure
- Spotting due to the insertion of the catheter
- Higher chance of multiple pregnancies if ovulation-inducing medications are used
Benefits of IUI Treatment
IUI offers a low-risk and cost-effective fertility option for single women who don’t have fertility issues and are using donor sperm. As the least invasive assisted reproductive method, IUI is mostly painless and does not require sedation.
Using Donor Sperm for IUI Treatment
You may select a sperm donor from a partner, a private sperm bank, or the clinic’s own sperm bank. Our team is ready to assist you in every choice.
Success Rates of IUI Treatment
IVF Vision has extensive experience with IUI, although success rates are generally lower than those of IVF due to the absence of embryo monitoring and selection. IUI success depends on factors such as the woman’s age or sperm quality.What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility technique where sperm, prepared in the lab, is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This method increases the chance of fertilization by helping more high-quality sperm reach the uterus and ultimately the egg.
How IUI Works
Compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF), IUI is simpler and less invasive. It involves placing the prepared sperm into the uterus, usually timed with the body’s natural ovulation cycle. Fertility medications may be used to encourage egg production. Either partner or donor sperm can be used for IUI, with donor insemination (DI) as an option.
IUI vs IVF
- IUI places sperm directly into the uterus, while IVF involves fertilizing eggs in a lab before transferring an embryo to the uterus.
- IUI is generally less invasive and more cost-effective.
- IVF has a higher success rate due to controlled embryo monitoring and selection.
- IUI cycles are shorter but often require multiple attempts.
Is IUI Right for You?
IUI is commonly recommended for couples trying to conceive for over a year who face challenges with low sperm count or motility. In IUI, lab preparation of the sperm helps improve the chance of conception. However, IUI requires that the woman’s fallopian tubes are open and her ovarian reserve, measured by AMH levels, is healthy. Single women who are fertile and using donor sperm may also consider IUI as a starting option.
When IUI May Not Be Suitable
IUI may be less effective for individuals with certain fertility challenges, including female factor infertility, unexplained infertility, poor sperm quality, or mild endometriosis, as studies show it may not increase pregnancy chances in these cases.
IUI Treatment Process
- Consultation
Before starting IUI, you and your partner will complete fertility tests. A specialist will review these results with you in your consultation, discuss your options, and help determine if IUI is the right choice. - Ovulation
IUI can be done with natural ovulation, though fertility drugs may be prescribed if ovulation issues exist, such as irregular cycles. The timing of the procedure is critical, aligning precisely with ovulation, which is monitored via ultrasound. If medications are prescribed to induce ovulation after the last ultrasound confirmation of follicle development, IUI is scheduled 36 hours later. - Sperm Preparation
Once ovulation is confirmed, the sperm sample from either your partner or a donor is processed in the lab and prepared for insemination. - IUI Procedure
The prepared sperm sample is attached to a thin, flexible plastic tube, which is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, and sperm is then released. The process is brief, and while some individuals may feel mild cramps, discomfort typically subsides quickly. - Monitoring and Waiting Period
After IUI, you’ll wait for two weeks before testing for pregnancy, with monitoring provided as necessary. - Pregnancy Test
After two weeks, if there is no period, a pregnancy test can be done. A positive result will lead to a follow-up blood test and ultrasound at the clinic to confirm pregnancy. If the IUI was not successful, our team is available to discuss further treatment options.
Are There Any Risks with IUI?
IUI is a low-risk procedure, though potential risks include:
- Minor infection following the procedure
- Spotting due to the insertion of the catheter
- Higher chance of multiple pregnancies if ovulation-inducing medications are used
Benefits of IUI Treatment
IUI offers a low-risk and cost-effective fertility option for single women who don’t have fertility issues and are using donor sperm. As the least invasive assisted reproductive method, IUI is mostly painless and does not require sedation.
Using Donor Sperm for IUI Treatment
You may select a sperm donor from a partner, a private sperm bank, or the clinic’s own sperm bank. Our team is ready to assist you in every choice.
Success Rates of IUI Treatment
IVF Vision has extensive experience with IUI, although success rates are generally lower than those of IVF due to the absence of embryo monitoring and selection. IUI success depends on factors such as the woman’s age or sperm quality.