When is IUI used?
Decreased sperm mobility or low sperm count is the most common reason for using IUI.
However, IUI may be a chosen fertility treatment for any of the following conditions as well:
- Unexplained infertility
- A hostile cervical condition like unusual cervical mucus discharge
- Cervical scar tissues from a past procedure that prevents the sperm from entering the uterus
- Ejaculation dysfunction
IUI is usually not recommended for the following patients:
- Women who have fallopian tube disorders
- Women who suffer from pelvic infections
- Women with endometriosis (moderate to severe)
How does IUI work?
Medications will likely be prescribed to stimulate ovulation before IUI procedure. In such a case, the eggs need to be monitored carefully until they mature. IUI will be performed around the time of ovulation, usually 24-36 hours after there is a surge in LH hormone. This suggests that ovulation will occur shortly.
A semen sample is washed in the lab to separate the semen from the seminal fluid. Then, the sperm will be inserted directly into the uterus using a catheter. This process helps maximize the number of sperm cells that are placed in the uterus, boosting the possibility of conceiving. IUI takes only up to a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
How successful is IUI?
The success of IUI depends on several factors. If a couple gets the IUI procedure done every month, the rate of success per cycle may be as high as 20%. However, this depends on several variables, like age of the female, use of drugs, reasons for infertility, and others. IUI is a minimally invasive and relatively cheap alternative to the conventional IVF procedure. However, the rate of pregnancy from IVF is higher than IUI. If you think you may be interested in IUI, talk with your doctor to discuss your options.
