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, which puts them closer to the egg.
This process can increase the likelihood of pregnancy in certain couples who have had difficulty getting pregnant.
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
a single woman wishing to conceive
a couple wanting to avoid passing on a genetic defect from the male partner to the child
The visit for intrauterine insemination takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. The IUI procedure itself takes just a minute or two and requires no medications or pain relievers. Your doctor or a specially trained nurse performs the procedure.
While lying on an exam table, you put your legs into stirrups. Your care provider inserts a speculum into the vagina — similar to what you experience during a Pap test. During the procedure, the doctor or nurse:
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
After insemination, you lie on your back for a brief period. Once the procedure is over, you can get dressed and go about your usual daily activities. You may have some light spotting for a day or two after the procedure.
If you don't become pregnant, you might try IUI again before moving on to other fertility treatments. Often, the same therapy is used for three to six months to maximize the chances of pregnancy.
IVF has higher success rates than IUI. Artificial insemination is considerably less expensive than IVF and less invasive. It is generally recommended that couples try three rounds of IUI before moving on to IVF.
Fill out the form below, and our experts will contact you.