IUI Procedure: Everything You Need to Know

Intrauterine insemination fertility treatment options available at our SIRM Dallas fertility center.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. The IUI’s goal is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and increase the chance of fertilization. IUI is a great option for couples who have been trying to conceive without success, as well as those with unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility.

 

Who does IUI help?

 

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can help couples with difficulty conceiving because of abnormal sperm function or cervical mucus problems. It is also recommended for couples who have unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, or who have previously had a miscarriage. IUI is often used in combination with in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

 

IUI is a simple and painless procedure, which is performed in an outpatient surgical setting. During the procedure, the sperm is introduced into the woman’s uterus using a catheter. The sperm sample is washed and prepared in such a way that only the fastest and most active sperm is selected for insertion into the uterus. The selection process improves the chances of fertilization by 50-60%.

What tests need to be performed?

Women must first have an X-ray test called a hysterosalpingogram before starting treatment to ensure that they have at least one open fallopian tube. IUI treatment is ineffective if both tubes are blocked. The woman must take fertility drugs called gonadotropins within a precise time frame. These drugs stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

 

The male providing the sperm and the woman need to go through various tests for infectious diseases before sperm insemination begins. HIV, HTLV I, RPR, hepatitis B surface antigen, and hepatitis C antibody are the specific tests required. Once the tests are complete, and the results are received by their office, the procedure is performed.

 

What Are the Success Rates of IUI?

The success rate of IUI varies depending on several factors, including the age of the woman and the underlying cause of infertility. For example, IUI is more likely to be successful in women under the age of 35. The success rate decreases with age, to about 20 to 30 percent for women ages 35 to 37 and about 10 to 20 percent for women ages 38 to 40. Pregnancy rates can increase, however, in a cumulative fashion after performing two, three, or four IUI cycles.

 

In general, the success rates of IUI are as follows:

 

• With fertility drugs: 10-20% per cycle
• Without fertility drugs: 5-10% per cycle
• When used in conjunction with IVF: 40-50% per cycle

 

 

What are the Risks of IUI?

 

IUI is generally a safe procedure. However, there is a risk of multiple pregnancies if ovulation is induced using medications. This is because fertility drugs increase the likelihood of more than one egg being released. Ultrasound monitoring can identify this and your doctor will prevent too many eggs from being released at once.

 

How much does IUI Procedure cost?

 

The cost of an IUI Procedure can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the clinic you choose, the medications you require, and the number of cycles you need. However, the general cost of an IUI Procedure can range from $500 to $3,000.

 

The takeaway

 

IUI, short for intrauterine insemination, is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization. IUI is often recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive for six months to one year without success, as well as for those who have been diagnosed with mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility. The success rate of IUI varies depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the number of cycles that have been attempted.