What is Intrauterine Insemination?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure which prepared sperm is placed in the uterus around the time of ovulation. The semen is prepared to separate fast motile sperm from non-motile sperm.

IUI Process

  • You'll lie on an exam table and your doctor will use a speculum (the same tool used in a Pap smear) to gently open the vagina and visualize your cervix.
  • The sperm will be passed through the cervix and placed into the uterus using a long, very thin tube.
  • The process takes only a few minutes and is generally painless.
  • You'll remain reclined on the exam table for 30 minutes following the insemination.
  • You can return to your normal daily activities after the procedure.
  • Two weeks following IUI, you will take a pregnancy test to see if the procedure was successful.
20-25%
For women in their early 30s or younger
15%
For women aged less than 35
10%
Women aged 35-40
5%
By their early 40s

The IUI Success Rate

The success rate for the procedure depends on several factors, which include age and underlying fertility challenges. Let's explore IUI success rates within these two segments.

Intended mother's age As a woman ages, the conception rates drop due to egg quality. Because of this, IUI isn't usually recommended for intended mothers over 40.

The success of IUI depends on several factors

Including: the age of the female partner, the number of healthy eggs available for fertilization, the concentration of the sperm injected into the uterus, and the thickness of the endometrium (uterine lining) on the day of the insemination.

Your doctor will manage these factors to ensure the highest chance of success.

IUI is widely used to achieve pregnancy and has a good chance of success. It is safe and affordable.

Preparation

Female

  • Start taking a fertility medication to stimulate ovulation within day1-day5 of your period.
  • The doctor will monitor you closely with regular ultrasounds and bloodwork to determine the best time for your insemination procedure.

Male

  • Your male partner will provide a semen sample the day of the procedure.Stopping ejaculation for 2 to 5 days is recommended before sperm collection.
  • The sperm will immediately be taken to a lab where they will be "washed." Sperm washing helps get rid of chemicals in the semen that can cause reactions in your uterus and make it harder to get pregnant.

Getting Started:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

  • Couples with Unexplained Infertility
  • Women with ovulation problem
  • Men with impotence or premature ejaculation

IUI is not suitable in women with tubal blockage or severe tubal damage, ovarian failure, severe male factor infertility, advanced women age (41 years or more) and severe endometriosis.

There are minimal risks associated with IUI and they are usually mild. Risks of IUI include:

  • Infection that can occur during the IUI procedure, but it is unlikely.
  • Irritation can occur in the vagina and cervix during IUI when the sperm is injected into the uterus. Some discomfort and bleeding can occur, but this does not impact pregnancy.
  • Twin pregnancy can occur with IUI because ovarian stimulation can lead to more than one egg being fertilized.
  • The risk from ovarian stimulation drugs is not common, but you may have symptoms such as hot flushes, headache, or restlessness.