If you've landed on this page, you may be wondering if intra uterine insemination (IUI) is right for you. If so, we can help you. This article provides everything you need to know about IUI. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination in which sperm are injected directly into your uterine cavity at the time of ovulation. This procedure can be done using your partner's sperm or a donor's sperm. What the IUI Procedure? For cases of unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, or mild male factor infertility, IUI is recommended as the first line of treatment. IUI does two things: Medication taken prior to the injection stimulates egg growth. The sperm is then injected into the uterine cavity, avoiding the need for it to swim through the cervical opening and into the uterus on its own, allowing it to meet the egg more easily. The male partner will be asked to provide a semen sample about an hour or two before the insemination procedure is scheduled. In the doctor's office or at home, this is accomplished by masturbating in a sterile container. Sperm are separated from the seminal fluid by "washing" the sperm. Because seminal fluid contains substances that can irritate your uterus, this must be done before injecting the sperm into it. Sperm "washing" can also improve the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg. Key differences between IUI and IVF fertility procedures There are more differences than similarities between IUI and IVF, but the most notable difference is that during IUI the combination of egg and sperm is not injected into the egg to achieve a viable pregnancy. With IUI, pregnancy is still intended to occur naturally; Doctors help to bring the sperm closer to the egg. Who requires IUI? Women who are unable to conceive, such as those with PCOS or hypothalamic patients. Women suffering from unexplained infertility. Minor sperm abnormalities or ejaculatory dysfunction in male partners. Male partners with frozen sperm obtained prior to surgery, travel, or disease treatment. Anyone in need of donor sperm, such as LGBT couples, heterosexual couples dealing with male factor, or single women attempting to conceive. Preparing for an IUI cycle You need to do some testing before the IUI Treatment to make sure that IUI is the right step for you. This is a test that women preparing for IVF will have to undergo, and it will help your doctor better understand your fertility needs. Blood work will be done to test your ovarian reserve hormones, as well as genetic blood work to determine if you are a carrier of any particular disease. The sperm you use, either from a donor or your partner, will be tested and you'll also have a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to make sure your fallopian tubes are open enough for the sperm to pass through. If everything checks out, you will be scheduled for IUI. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for two or three days before the procedure. Ovulation is the best time for IUI procedure. If you are not ovulating regularly, your doctor may prescribe ovulation induction. Check with your doctor to see if there are any additional recommendations for your care. This stimulation process can take up to ten days. Women who do not want to be stimulated before IUI simply follow their natural cycle, take an injection to induce ovulation and then do IUI. What are the chances of having twins or triplets through IUI? Yes, if you are taking ovarian stimulant medication prior to your IUI procedure. Because this medication advises your body to mature as many follicles as possible, when it comes time to ovulate, your body may release more than one egg, and a woman may become pregnant with twins. This occurs in approximately 10-20% of IUI cases. How can an IUI cycle increase my chances of getting pregnant? They are close to the site of fertilization because the sperm are placed directly in the woman's uterus. IUI avoids many problems that occur in the vagina or cervix, such as incompatibility of sperm with cervical mucus. IUI also improves the distribution of sperm in the egg, especially when the sperm count is low or the sperm do not move well. Do I need more than one IUI to get pregnant? If a woman does not become pregnant after an IUI cycle, the procedure has to be repeated. If the patient does not become pregnant after several cycles, Ovulation Induction or IVF treatment may be recommended. How soon will I know if this treatment was successful? You'll probably know in two weeks; If you become pregnant, you may miss your next period. Also, a blood test can help determine if you are pregnant.
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