Is IUI An Option For Your Fertility Woes?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often considered the initial stages of assisted reproductive technology (ART), a form of reproductive treatment. This process involves medically inserting a prepared sperm sample into a woman’s uterus. IUI is performed during the ovulatory period to increase the chances of conception. In many cases, the woman is provided with hormone medication to optimize ovulation and egg production. At the ideal moment, a sperm sample from a partner or donor is washed, concentrated, and then inserted into the uterus using a catheter. IUI seeks to bypass any obstacles to fertility by providing more concentrated sperm closer to the egg.
Reasons for IUI
IUI is often recommended for couples struggling with subfertility or infertility. This condition occurs when a couple is unable to conceive after at least 6 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. IUI is useful for male-factor infertility cases such as low sperm count or motility. Cervical issues or unexplained infertility are other reasons. Single women or same-sex couples also use IUI with donor sperm to start or grow a family. IUI is popular as a cost-effective, accessible form of assisted reproduction with minimal side effects. Couples considering IUI should be well-informed about the process, and these 3 questions can help achieve this outcome.
1. What are our chances of success?
One thing that doctors make clear for all forms of ART is that many factors that impact success rates. On average, a single IUI cycle has a 7-25% success rate. Age plays a significant role, as younger couples with a higher ovarian reserve are more likely to conceive. The type of fertility challenge also plays a role. The severity of oligospermia in men, which is low sperm count, or uterine lining issues in women are prime examples. The success rates are known to increase at each cycle but can eventually taper off, becoming less effective. The fertility team will move forward with IUI if there is a strong possibility of success.
2. What preparations should we make before IUI?
As each case is different, doctors may have specific recommendations. Patients should be prepared for blood tests and physical examinations to determine the root cause of infertility. One or both parties may require hormone medication to improve sperm health or trigger ovulation. Allocating time and resources for multiple IUI cycles is also recommended. Optimizing health through diet, exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding alcohol and cigarette use can set the tone for improved success rates.
3. How long should we try IUI? And what’s next?
Doctors recommend at least 3 but no more than 6 cycles of IUI per couple. Three cycles are often sufficient to achieve pregnancy in cases of mild subfertility or infertility. In certain cases, the doctor can safely attempt up to 6 cycles. Factors like age play a role. Women under 35 may have a stronger ovarian reserve and can attempt more cycles. When IUI fails, the fertility team may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF), a more comprehensive form of ART. IVF involves medically extracting multiple follicles from the ovaries. These follicles are then combined with the provided sperm sample to create embryos in a controlled laboratory. One or more embryos are then surgically implanted into the woman’s uterus to attempt pregnancy. IVF opens more possibilities for hopeful parents and has high success rates.
A family is within reach
IUI is widely recognized as a first-line treatment for couples struggling to conceive. Male-factor infertility, in particular, can benefit from IUI. The procedure is also preferred for single and same-sex individuals. IUI is less invasive and, for couples in generally good health, less expensive than advanced alternatives. Choosing to pursue fertility treatment can be a challenge for some couples. Speak with a fertility specialist to acquire a deeper understanding of fertility challenges and the power of IUI. This simple but effective procedure may be the pathway to parenthood.
