Intrauterine insemination is a type of fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into your uterus to facilitate fertilization.

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Treatment?

Intrauterine insemination, which is commonly known as IUI, is a type of fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into your uterus to facilitate fertilization. The procedure aims not only to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes but also to enhance the chance of conception.

IUI treatment is typically performed by reproductive endocrinologists at IUI clinic when you are ovulating. This treatment can be applied to the individuals listed below:

Who are the Good Candidates for IUI Fertility Treatment? Why is it done?

Intrauterine insemination, or artificial insemination, is performed when you cannot conceive a baby naturally. If, as a woman, you have a good ovarian reserve and, as a male, you have a good quality and quantity of semen, you can be good candidates for this treatment.

Intrauterine insemination treatment can be an option for you if:

Single Individuals or Couples Using Sperm Donor

• Your male partner has a very low sperm quality, or you do not have a male partner.

Unexplained Infertility:

• You do not have a specific reason for infertility.

Infertility Related to Endometriosis:

• The reason for infertility is endometriosis, which is a situation where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.

Mild Male Factor Infertility

• You face issues with sperm count, motility, size, or shape.

Cervical Factor Infertility

• You may face ovulation problems such as infrequent or absent ovulation in addition to a reduced egg count.

Semen Allergy:

• Even if it is rare, you may be allergic to the proteins in semen.

Before the IUI Insemination Procedure: How Should You Prepare?

Intrauterine insemination is performed at your doctor’s clinic. The procedure itself takes a few minutes; however, before the IUI procedure, you and your partner should follow several steps to be ready.

Monitoring the Ovulation

IUI process will be more likely to be successful when it is done with accurate timing. To monitor your ovulation, your doctor may suggest you use an at-home urine ovulation predictor kit. In addition, your doctor will check your ovulation at the clinic with an ultrasound.

Medications to Induce Ovulation

To trigger the release of one or more eggs at the right time, you may receive an injection of HCG (human chorionic gonadopropin).

Precise Timing of IUI Therapy

A day or two after your ovulatory signs are detected, your doctor will provide a detailed plan for the timing of the IUI surgery.

Preparation of the Semen Sample

This step involves providing fresh semen for the procedure. Once the semen is collected, the staff at the laboratory will separate high-quality sperm from lower-quality ones. You have a partner’s sperm and a donor sperm option:

1) IUI using a partner’s sperm

Your male partner will provide a fresh sperm sample at the fertility clinic. The process typically involves masturbating into a sterile specimen cup, which is generally done on the same day as the IUI fertility procedure. Once your partner’s sperm is collected, a special preparation called “washing”, which is to detect the healthiest sperm is undergone.

2) IUI using donor sperm:

Your male partner’s sperm quality and quantity may not be suitable for artificial insemination. In this case, you may opt for IUI with donor sperm.

Donor sperm will be screened comprehensively for possible infections and inherited diseases. During the testing, the donor sperm is frozen for about six months to detect infections such as HIV. The process for pregnancy with IUI using donor semen, whether you know the donor. You may get sperm from a fertility bank as well. Your clinic will inform you about artificial insemination regulations in detail.

During the Procedure of IUI Pregnancy

Intrauterine insemination takes about four weeks from beginning to end. It is similar in length to your menstrual cycle. Below, you can find what you will experience at your doctor’s office during the insemination treatment.

• You will lie on the exam table, which is similar to a routine gynecological exam. Your doctor will ask to place your text in stirrups.
• Your doctor will open your valine with a speculum and insert a catheter into your vagina. The catheter is attached to a vial that contains a prepared healthy sperm sample.
• Once the insemination syringe is in place, your doctor will transfer it into the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy.
• After the semen transfer, your doctor will remove the catheter and speculum.

The intrauterine insemination at your doctor’s office is a quick process that takes about 10 minutes. You will not feel pain during the procedure, even though you may feel mild cramping.

After the Intrauterine Insemination Treatment

Intrauterine insemination treatment is one of the quickest procedures in fertility treatment. After the procedure:

• You will have a rest at the clinic before being allowed to go home.
• In the following weeks after intrauterine insemination, you will try to observe early signs of pregnancy, like mild cramping or spotting.
• You will wait about two weeks before taking a home pregnancy test.
• Whatever the result is, you should not miss your follow-up appointment with your doctor.

Difference Between IUI or IVF

Intrauterine insemination and In Vitro Fertilization are two distinct fertility treatments. IUI is one of the types of artificial insemination with a less invasive method. On the other hand, IVF is a more complex procedure involving egg retrieval, fertilization at the laboratory, and implanting fertilized eggs into the uterus. If you do not have severe infertility cases, your doctor may suggest IUI. However, if your case is more severe, IVF can be a better treatment option.