Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a common fertility treatment that can increase your odds of fertilization by inserting sperm directly into the uterus. At ALLcare, we have helped numerous patients grow their families through the use of IUI. This procedure is often one of the first fertility treatments offered to couples due to its high chance of success.
How IUI Works
Intrauterine insemination involves the timed placement of male sperm inside of a woman’s uterus simultaneous with the release of an egg from her ovaries. Sperm can be retrieved from a male partner or a sperm donor. The sperm is generally “washed” so that only the sperm with the greatest mobility is used during the procedure.
The IUI Process
The first step of the IUI process involves ovulation monitoring. To determine the ideal timing for insemination, your ovulation cycle will be monitored. If needed, your doctor may suggest ovulation stimulating hormones to speed up this process.
The next step requires the retrieval of a sperm sample. Once the sample is provided, it is washed before insertion. If ovulation is successfully identified, the prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus.
With IUI, the sperm is essentially given a “head start” which helps boost the odds of fertilization. However, it is important to remember that a fertile egg is still needed for conception to occur.
Best Candidates for IUI
Not sure if IUI is the right fertility treatment for you? If you have one or more of the following problems, IUI may be right for you.
- Male ejaculation issues
- Low sperm count or mobility
- Infertility caused by endometriosis
- Certain cervical conditions (e.g. poor cervical mucus)
- Unexplained infertility
- Semen allergy
Intrauterine insemination may also be a good fertility treatment if you part of a same-sex female couple that is comfortable using a sperm donor.