WHAT IS IUI?
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a safe office procedure and is frequently the first treatment for individuals and couples who have trouble conceiving. Either husband/partner sperm or donor sperm can be used. IUI relies on the natural ability of sperm to reach and fertilize an egg in the fallopian tube. IUI is a common fertility procedure in which the sperm are washed, concentrated, and placed directly into a woman’s uterus. The timing of the procedure is based on a woman’s ovulation which can be monitored in the office or at home with ovulation prediction kits.
At ARM, the IUI procedure is a simple process. First, a thin catheter is passed through the cervical opening into the uterus. Then the prepared sperm are injected through the catheter into the uterine cavity. The catheter is removed and the IUI procedure is complete. It takes just a few minutes and requires no anesthesia. There is very little discomfort and patients can return to their normal activities immediately.
WHEN IS IUI THE RIGHT CHOICE?
- In younger women (< 38 years) experiencing unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility
- In women/couples who require the use of donor sperm
- lesbian family-building
- In couples experiencing problems with timing intercourse
- Intrauterine insemination is also recommended in conjunction with fertility medications for couples with unexplained infertility and couples affected by mild/moderate endometriosis. By increasing the number of eggs available to ovulate, IUI combined with fertility medications can increase a woman’s chance of conception.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IUI IS UNSUCCESSFUL?
If you are not successful after 3-4 IUI cycles, a consultation with your fertility doctor is recommended to review additional options.
