Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
What is an IUI?
An intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure offered in our office that is a great option for couples struggling to get pregnant, or for couples or individuals using donor sperm. An IUI places sperm directly into the top of the uterine cavity so that a higher number of healthy sperm are able to reach the egg for fertilization.
Why is it helpful?
During normal vaginal intercourse, less than 1% of sperm actually make it to the fallopian tube to meet the egg. An IUI allows sperm to bypass several barriers by being inserted and directed straight into the fallopian tubes. Additionally, the sperm is washed and prepped in our office before the IUI to optimize the sperm that are inseminated.
Who are good candidates for an IUI?
An IUI is a good option for individuals or couples who are using donor sperm, couples with mild male factor infertility, endometriosis, ovulatory disorders, and unexplained infertility.
What are the success rates of an IUI?
The success rate of an IUI depends on many factors such as your age, type of infertility, and medications used. On average, the success rate of one IUI is around 15%. The vast majority of successful IUIs happen within 3-4 attempts, so do not be discouraged if your first IUI is unsuccessful.
What is the process of an IUI?
An intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure offered in our office that is a great option for couples struggling to get pregnant, or for couples or individuals using donor sperm. An IUI places sperm directly into the top of the uterine cavity so that a higher number of healthy sperm are able to reach the egg for fertilization.
Why is it helpful?
During normal vaginal intercourse, less than 1% of sperm actually make it to the fallopian tube to meet the egg. An IUI allows sperm to bypass several barriers by being inserted and directed straight into the fallopian tubes. Additionally, the sperm is washed and prepped in our office before the IUI to optimize the sperm that are inseminated.
Who are good candidates for an IUI?
An IUI is a good option for individuals or couples who are using donor sperm, couples with mild male factor infertility, endometriosis, ovulatory disorders, and unexplained infertility.
What are the success rates of an IUI?
The success rate of an IUI depends on many factors such as your age, type of infertility, and medications used. On average, the success rate of one IUI is around 15%. The vast majority of successful IUIs happen within 3-4 attempts, so do not be discouraged if your first IUI is unsuccessful.
What is the process of an IUI?
- Stimulation: At the beginning of your cycle, you will take medication to stimulate your ovaries to develop multiple follicles.
- Monitoring: Around cycle day 10-12, you will come to the office for a transvaginal ultrasound and bloodwork to see how you have responded to the medication and to determine the optimal time for the IUI to be performed.
- Trigger: Based on your ultrasound and labs, the office will tell you when to administer a trigger shot injection. This triggers your body to ovulate. The IUI is performed 24-36 hours after the trigger shot. Click here for Ovidrel trigger shot instructions.
- Semen sample: Your partner produces a semen specimen in our office after 2-5 days of abstinence from ejaculation. If you are using donor sperm, you will arrange to have the donor sperm delivered to our office from the sperm bank of your choosing.
- Sperm washing: The semen is washed and prepped in our office. This process takes 1 hour. Most donor sperm samples come prewashed and frozen. The de-thawing process also takes 1 hour.
- Insemination: Once the sperm washing or de-thawing is complete, the IUI can be performed. A speculum is placed in the vagina and a small catheter is inserted through the cervix to the top of the uterus. The washed sperm specimen is injected into the catheter and into your uterus. You may experience mild cramping.
- Recovery: Immediately after the IUI, you will rest with your hips elevated for about 10 minutes and then you are free to resume normal activity, including normal exercise. You can (and should!) have sex later that same day if possible.
- Progesterone: you will be instructed to start progesterone vaginal suppositories 72 hours after the IUI. These are inserted nightly and continued through at least 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- Pregnancy test: Two weeks after the IUI, you should take a pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant. Call the office with your result.