IUI Basics
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a safe, office-based procedure and often one of the first fertility treatments recommended for individuals and couples seeking to become pregnant.
IUI leverages the natural ability of sperm to fertilize an egg in the fallopian tube. However, its effectiveness can be limited if the male partner has abnormal semen analysis results. Therefore, a semen analysis is crucial to assess sperm health.
The IUI procedure is quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes. It requires no anesthesia and is similar to a Pap smear. During the procedure, specially prepared sperm are introduced into the woman’s uterus using a small catheter. The timing of IUI is carefully planned around the woman’s ovulation to maximize the chances of pregnancy.
The Goal
The goal of this treatment is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tube and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization. IUI essentially provides sperm with a “head-start” advantage but still requires the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg on its own.
When to Choose IUI:
Fertility Medications & IUI
Depending on your fertility diagnosis, IUI can be coordinated with your normal menstrual cycle or with fertility medications. By increasing egg production with medication, IUI can increase a woman’s chance of conception.
Those with endometriosis and unexplained infertility are among the populations who most benefit from the combination of fertility medication and IUI.
During normal ovulation, a woman usually releases one egg from her ovaries. To increase the chance of fertilization and pregnancy with IUI, she may be given fertility medications at the start of her menstrual cycle to encourage multiple egg releases.
Learn About the IUI Process
Ovulation Time
Along with our medical team, you will monitor and track your ovulation cycle. When ovulation nears, we will utilize ultrasound to confirm ovulation. Your doctor will map out a customized treatment plan, in terms of the timing of your IUI procedure, which usually occurs within a day or two of ovulation.
Semen Preparation/Semen Analysis
As ovulation occurs, a sperm sample from either a donor or the male partner will be prepared in our laboratory for insemination.
Once collected, the semen sample is then “washed” in the laboratory to concentrate the sperm and remove the seminal fluid (seminal fluid can cause severe cramping in the woman).
Insemination
The IUI procedure itself is relatively simple and can begin once the semen sample is ready. From start to finish, the IUI takes 20 minutes, and you are welcome to continue your day after the procedure has concluded.
Pregnancy Test
After two weeks, you will return to Care Fertility for a blood test, which is more sensitive to pregnancy hormones after fertilization than a standard “at-home” pregnancy test.
