Explore
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure that puts sperm directly inside your uterus, which helps healthy sperm get closer to your egg. How does IUI work? IUI stands for in intrauterine insemination. It’s also sometimes called donor insemination, alternative insemination, or artificial insemination.
How can I improve my chances of successful IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization.
What to do after IUI?
Intra-uterine insemination or IUI is a simple fertility treatment that involves inserting the sperm directly into a woman's uterus while she is ovulating. It may also be performed with donor sperm or frozen sperm.
How successful is IUI?
The IUI form of artificial insemination is a relatively simple and effective treatment for fertility problems associated with male infertility, female factor infertility or both. A Fertility Institute doctor will discuss intrauterine insemination as an option with appropriate patients, including thoroughly explaining the procedure.
What is the process of IUI?
Mar 02, 2018 · Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus. During natural conception, sperm have to travel from the vagina through the cervix,...
How long does IUI take to get pregnant?
How long does it take to get pregnant using IUI? Since insemination occurs during ovulation, it takes approximately two weeks after the procedure to determine if the treatment is successful after a positive pregnancy test.
How painful is IUI?
Does IUI Hurt? The IUI procedure should only take a few minutes and it shouldn't hurt. Some mild discomfort may occur when the speculum is inserted, or you may experience cramping when the catheter passes through the cervix. The discomfort is temporary and should be gone by the end of the procedure.Jan 8, 2020
What are the chances of getting pregnant with IUI?
Through a diagnosis, the doctor may identify issues that can affect your success rate. If you are experiencing unexplained fertility with healthy eggs and two fallopian tubes, IUI success rates are around 7% to 10% per cycle.Jul 22, 2021
How is IUI treatment done?
During the procedure Attaches a vial containing a sample of healthy sperm to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) Inserts the catheter into the vagina, through the cervical opening and into the uterus. Pushes the sperm sample through the tube into the uterus. Removes the catheter, followed by the speculum.Sep 3, 2021
Can IUI cause twins?
Although IUI increases the chance of pregnancy, this procedure alone does not increase the chance of having multiples. By itself, IUI does not affect ovulation, so a patient who undergoes IUI has about the same chance of conceiving twins or other multiples as individuals who conceive naturally.Oct 2, 2019
Is IUI better than IVF?
In general, IVF has higher success rates than IUI. It is the most highly recommended method for women over the age of 40. Additionally, IVF gives your fertility doctor and the intended parents more have over the number of embryos transferred into the uterus, which lowers the risk of multiple births.
How much sperm is needed for IUI?
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a threshold number of sperm may exist to optimize IUI success and that the minimum total number of motile sperm needed is approximately 6.7 million per insemination.
Is IUI better than natural?
There is no improvement in clinical pregnancy rates with OI versus natural cycle IUI among young, non-infertile women. However, clinical pregnancy rates were higher for older women (age 38-40) with OI/IUI versus natural cycle IUI. Multiple pregnancy rates are much higher with OI compared to natural cycle IUI.Oct 8, 2018
Can I get pregnant with first IUI?
Women have a 10 to 20 percent chance of getting pregnant with each IUI cycle. The more cycles you go through, the better your chances become. But sometimes, as you're weighing those options, the random numbers can feel a bit cold and hard to relate to. Instead, it can be helpful to hear from women who have been there.
What happens inside the body after IUI?
Some women experience cramping after IUI. The catheter can sometimes irritate the uterus, which can cause mild cramping, too. Ovulation can also cause abdominal cramping. If you're ovulating multiple follicles, usually from taking medication to induce ovulation, this may worsen ovulation pain or cramping.
Can sperm fall out after IUI?
Q : Can the sperm fall out? A : Once the sperm is injected into the uterus, it does not fall out. There can, however be an increased wetness after the procedure because of the catheter loosens mucus in the cervix and allows it to flow out.Oct 15, 2020
Is IUI or IVF painful?
Are IVF Injections Painful? IVF injections are a critical piece in the IVF process. These injections help stimulate your ovaries to produce mature eggs that are then harvested and fertilized with sperm. In the majority of circumstances, IVF injections don't involve much pain.
What is IUI in a pregnancy?
What is IUI? What is IVF? What is IUI? Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure that puts sperm directly inside your uterus, which helps healthy sperm get closer to your egg.
How does IUI work?
IUI works by putting sperm cells directly into your uterus around the time you’re ovulating, helping the sperm get closer to your egg.
How long does it take for a sperm tube to inseminate?
The insemination procedure is done at your doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic, and it only takes about 5-10 minutes.
Why do you wash your sperm?
Sperm washing also helps get rid of chemicals in the semen that can cause reactions in your uterus and make it harder to get pregnant. If you’re using donor sperm from a sperm bank, the sperm bank generally sends the doctor's office sperm that’s already “washed” and ready for IUI.
What is the process of insemination?
Semen is collected from your partner or a donor. It goes through a process called “sperm washing” that collects a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from the semen.
How much does it cost to get infertility treatment without insurance?
In general, it costs about $300-$1,000 without insurance. A few states have laws that say health insurance companies must cover some or all of the costs of infertility treatment if you meet certain requirements. But many insurance plans don’t offer any fertility treatment coverage at all.
Is IUI a fertility treatment?
IUI is a simple and low-tech procedure, and it can be less expensive than other types of fertility treatments. It increases your chances of pregnancy, but everyone’s body is different, so there’s no guarantee that IUI will work.
When is IUI used?
The most common reasons for IUI are low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility. However, IUI may be selected as a fertility treatment for any of the following conditions as well:
How does IUI work?
Before intrauterine insemination, ovulation- stimulating medications may be used, in which case careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature.
What are the risks?
The chance of becoming pregnant with multiples is increased if you take fertility medication when having IUI. There is also a small risk of infection after IUI.
IUI Procedure
IUI is usually preceded by oral or injectable fertility medication. As the menstrual cycle progresses, serial ultrasound scans or follicular monitoring are carried out. The doctor may schedule a date for the IUI procedure if she is monitoring ovulation or ask the patient to use a home ovulation kit and come to the clinic when she is ovulating.
Risks
IUI is a relatively low-risk procedure. Some women may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, complications such as OHSS or infections are extremely rare. Women who are prescribed gonadotropins before the procedure may develop too many potential follicles.
What is IUI used for?
IUI is used to treat many types of infertility and is often done in multiple cycles until pregnancy is achieved—or another treatment is tried. IUI is often the first procedure tried before moving on to more invasive options, such as in-vitro fertilization ( IVF ).
When is IUI done?
IUI is done around the time of ovulation or in conjunction with fertility drugs to maximize the likelihood of conception. You may know of IUI by the more commonly used term artificial insemination (AI). IUI is a type of AI treatment.
How long after IUI can I take progesterone?
After the IUI procedure, you may be prescribed progesterone. This is usually taken via a vaginal suppository. About a week after the IUI, your doctor may order blood work. They will check your progesterone levels, estrogen, and (maybe) hCG levels .
How much does an IUI cycle cost?
When all is said and done, one IUI cycle may cost you $3,000 or more.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat IUI?
Gonadotropins with IUI. Gonadotropins are injectable fertility drugs, including FSH, LH, hMG, and hCG. Brand names you may recognize are Gonal-F, Follistim, and Ovidrel. When you get your period, you’ll call your doctor to schedule a baseline ultrasound and blood work.
When should I start taking fertility pills?
Assuming everything looks good, you’ll start taking the oral fertility drugs on the days prescribed by your doctor. You may or may not have ultrasound monitoring and more blood work as the cycle progresses. If your doctor is monitoring your cycle, they will schedule the IUI procedure just before ovulation.
What is the catheter used for a Pap test?
A catheter—a small, thin tube—will be placed in your cervix. You may have some mild cramping, similar to what you might feel during a Pap test. The specially washed semen will then be transferred into your uterus via the catheter. Then, the catheter is removed, and you’re done.
What is IUI in pregnancy?
Overview (jump to section): IUI is a form of artificial insemination that increases the likelihood of pregnancy by placing sperm in the woman’s uterus so the sperm will be closer to mature eggs during ovulation, helping to overcome some causes of infertility.
When is IUI performed?
In most cases, the IUI treatment is performed during or just after ovulation, if possible. Ovulation is the process of the woman’s ovary releasing a mature egg for fertilization and is the time when she is most fertile.
How does IUI work?
During IUI, our doctor will insert a speculum into the woman’s vagina, which opens the pathway to the cervix. Next, the provider gently inserts a sterile, flexible catheter into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus. Once the catheter is in place, the doctor will carefully inject the concentrated sperm. There, the sperm can more easily access newly released eggs in the hopes of fertilization.
Can IUI cause multiple pregnancy?
Women who take ovulation induction medications during IUI treatment are also at risk for a multiple pregnancy (twins or more). Women carrying multiples have a higher risk of developing conditions such as gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. They are also more likely to go into labor early and have babies with a low birth weight, which can result in various health and developmental problems for the child.
Is IUI more expensive than IVF?
In comparison with in vitro fertilization (IVF), IUI is less invasive and significantly less expensive. IUI also requires much less of a woman physically and the time involved. These factors make it a more accessible infertility treatment option for many hopeful parents. However, IVF does have higher pregnancy success rates than IUI.
What is IUI performed on?
IUI can be performed using a male partner’s sperm or donor sperm. IUI is most commonly used in these scenarios: unexplained infertility. mild endometriosis. issues with the cervix or cervical mucus. low sperm count. decreased sperm motility. issues with ejaculation or erection. same-sex couples wishing to conceive.
What is IUI in pregnancy?
Overview. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus. During natural conception, sperm have to travel from the vagina through the cervix, into the uterus, and up to the fallopian tubes. With IUI, sperm are “washed” and concentrated, and also placed directly into the uterus, ...
How soon after IUI can I take a pregnancy test?
You can take a pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI procedure.
What to expect when you have IUI?
What to expect when you have the procedure. IUI is a relatively painless and noninvasive procedure. IUI is sometimes done in what is called the “natural cycle,” which means no medications are given. A woman ovulates naturally and has the sperm placed at a doctor’s office around the time of ovulation.
How many cycles of IUI can I get pregnant?
Success rates for IUI tend to decrease in women over the age of 40, and in women who have not gotten pregnant after three cycles of IUI.
How does IUI affect pregnancy?
With IUI, sperm are “washed” and concentrated, and also placed directly into the uterus, which puts them closer to the egg. This process can increase the likelihood of pregnancy in certain couples who have had difficulty getting pregnant.
How long does it take for sperm to be thawed after a sex test?
This is typically 10 to 16 days after starting the medications. Your male partner will provide a semen sample the day of the procedure, or the donor sperm will be thawed. The sperm will immediately be taken to a lab where they will be “washed.”.
How does IUI help with infertility?
An IUI helps beat infertility in two primary ways. Egg quality and ovulation: Medications are given to help grow and ovulate one or two mature eggs (some women may not ovulate otherwise). Sperm Quality: An IUI puts sperm much closer to its target (the egg).
What is the best fertility treatment?
One of the first things people should do when exploring fertility treatment options is to compare intrauterine inseminations (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) as they are two of the most common and effective fertility treatments.
How fast does IVF work?
IVF has a much faster time to pregnancy due to it’s higher success rate per cycle. For those under 35, success rates are generally around 50% per treatment. IUIs generally have a success rate of around 5-20% per cycle. If an IUI is to be successful it most often happens in the first three or four treatment cycles [1] [2] .
How many eggs can I ovulate with IUI?
Treatment Process: IUI: An IUI can be done with no medications or a number of different medications to help develop and ovulate one or two eggs. Around day 14 of a woman’s cycle, the insemination takes place which deposits sperm inside the uterus.
What is an IVI?
There are two main types of artificial inseminations: IVI/ICI: An Intra (vaginal/cervical) Insemination is a treatment that can be done in a medical office or as an at-home insemination. With an IVI, sperm are deposited with a syringe at the top of the vagina as close to the cervix as possible.
What are the different types of IUI?
Types of IUI based on the medication used. Natural cycle – No medications are used for a natural IUI cycle. Trigger cycle – This adds the component of using medication to trigger ovulation for a specific time to more optimally time insemination, further increasing odds of pregnancy.
Where can I do intrauterine insemination?
IUI: An Intrauterine Insemination can only be done in a medical setting, either at an OBGYN office or Fertility Clinic. With an IUI, the sperm is “washed,” concentrated, and loaded into a catheter that is fed through the cervix and deposited near the top of the uterus.
What is the best fertility treatment?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. in vitro fertilization (IVF) Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus. ...
What is assisted reproductive technology?
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) describes several kinds of procedures that can help you have a baby. ART includes procedures that make it easier for sperm to fertilize an egg, and help the egg implant in your uterine lining. Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) ...
How do I get pregnant?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are: 1 intrauterine insemination (IUI)#N#Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. 2 in vitro fertilization (IVF)#N#Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus.
What is a cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation ( aka freezing your eggs, sperm, or embryos), egg or embryo donation, and gestational carriers (aka surrogacy) are also forms of ART. Donor sperm, donor eggs, and surrogates are often used by same-sex couples or single people who want to have a baby.
Can you have fertility treatments with only one partner?
Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together. Fertility treatments often include medications that help with hormones and ovulation, sometimes combined with minor surgical procedures.
Can technology help with fertility?
Thanks to technology, there are lots of ways to help people with all kinds of fertility issues. The options that are best for you depend on your personal situation and what’s causing your infertility. Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together.
Can you use sperm from a donor?
You can also use sperm and/or eggs from a donor if a problem with your own sperm cells or eggs is causing infertility issues. Talking with a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and/or infertility can help you figure out which treatments are best for you. Your family doctor or gynecologist can refer you to a fertility specialist.
Why It's Done
- A couple's ability to become pregnant depends on many different factors. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in couples who have: 1. Donor sperm. For women who need to use donor sperm to get pregnant, IUI is most commonly used to achieve pregnancy. Frozen don…
Risks
- Intrauterine insemination is a relatively simple and safe procedure, and the risk of serious complications is low. Risks include: 1. Infection.There's a slight risk of developing an infection as a result of the procedure. 2. Spotting.Sometimes the process of placing the catheter in the uterus causes a small amount of vaginal bleeding. This doesn't usually have an effect on the chance of …
How You Prepare
- Intrauterine insemination involves careful coordination before the actual procedure: 1. Preparing the semen sample.Your partner provides a semen sample at the doctor's office, or a vial of frozen donor sperm can be thawed and prepared. Because nonsperm elements in semen can cause reactions in the woman's body that interfere with fertilization, the sample will be washed in a wa…
What You Can Expect
- The visit for intrauterine insemination takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. The IUIprocedure itself takes just a minute or two and requires no medications or pain relievers. Your doctor or a specially trained nurse performs the procedure.
Results
- Wait two weeks before taking an at-home pregnancy test. Testing too soon could produce a result that is: 1. False-negative.If pregnancy hormones aren't yet at measurable levels, the test result may be negative when, in fact, you really are pregnant. 2. False-positive. If you're using ovulation-inducing medication such as HCG, the medication that's still circulating in your body could indic…
What Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
When It's Used
- IUI is used to treat many types of infertility and is often done in multiple cycles until pregnancy is achieved—or another treatment is tried. IUI is often the first procedure tried before moving on to more invasive options, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Some insurance companies require a few cycles of IUI before paying for IVF. Cycles of IUI may be recommended to treat any of the followi…
Cost
- When considering fertility treatments above and beyond taking fertility drugs, IUI is often the first tried because it's easier to do than assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. It also costs much less. Some insurance plans will cover IUI (and possibly other infertility treatments), while others do not. Check your coverage and all fees before getting started so that you can make a financiall…
Treatment Cycles
- Your treatment cycle (and how many cycles you plan to do) will depend on why your doctor has recommended IUI and on whether you’re taking fertility drugs. Two common treatment cycles that do involve fertility drugs include:
The Procedure
- The procedure is simple and virtually painless, though it’s normal to feel nervous about it. It will be done in your fertility clinic. (You don’t need to go to the hospital for the procedure.) It doesn't require any medications or painkillers and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Risks
- IUI is a relatively low-risk procedure. There is a very small risk of infection.1 Some of the biggest risks come from the fertility drugs used. If you’re using gonadotropins, you may be at risk for having a multiple pregnancy or developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Potential Challenges
- IUI has helped many women become pregnant, but it doesn't always work. In cycles where fertility drugs and IUI were combined, the pregnancy success rate can reach as high as 20%.5 These are per-cycle rates, meaning that the success odds are higher when looking at multiple cycles together. Often, it is recommended to commit to trying IUI for a minimum of three cycles. In a st…
A Word from Verywell
- Deciding whether or not to pursue IUI is a personal choice. Though IVF success rates per cycle are much higher, IUI is significantly less expensive. The procedure is also easier and less invasive. If IVF is out of your price range, multiple IUI cycles might be the better choice, depending on the cause of your infertility. Another option to consider is mini-IVF. Understand that while IUI can hel…