Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Trying to get pregnant without success can feel stressful and discouraging. If you’ve been trying for several months, you may be wondering what treatment options are available before moving to more advanced care.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that places prepared sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. This helps sperm get closer to the egg and may increase the chance of pregnancy while still working with your body’s natural cycle.

Intrauterine insemination is available in Grants Pass, Oregon.

When Is IUI Recommended?

IUI is considered one of the simplest fertility treatments available. It’s often recommended as a first step when pregnancy hasn’t happened on its own, but there’s still a good chance it could with a little assistance. It’s commonly used as an early step in fertility care before moving on to more involved treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

IUI may be considered for women or couples dealing with:

• Endometriosis, especially in mild cases
• Unexplained infertility, when standard testing does not reveal a clear cause
• Ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Mild male factor infertility, including low sperm count or reduced sperm movement
• Cervical factor infertility, where cervical mucus makes it harder for sperm to pass
• Ejaculation or erectile difficulties that affect sperm delivery
• Use of donor sperm

IUI is less effective if the fallopian tubes are blocked or if sperm counts are very low. In those cases, other treatments may be discussed.

What Is the IUI Process?

The IUI procedure generally follows these basic steps:

1. Ovulation tracking

The goal is to identify the most fertile window, which is when the egg is about to be released or has just been released. Timing is important. Ovulation may be tracked with blood tests, ultrasound, home ovulation kits, or a mix of these methods.

2. Ovulation stimulation

Instead of relying on the body’s natural timing, some patients use medications to help trigger ovulation. These medicines may include:

• Oral drugs, such as clomiphene citrate
• Injectable follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) medications that stimulate the ovaries
• A trigger shot, often human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to time ovulation

Medication is carefully monitored to reduce the risk of pregnancy with multiples.

3. Sperm collection and preparation

A semen sample is provided by a partner or donor, and then “washed,” which means:

• Seminal fluid is removed
• The healthiest, most active sperm are concentrated

This process improves the chances that sperm can reach and fertilize the egg.

4. Insemination

Insemination is the step where the prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus. A thin, flexible catheter is gently passed through the cervix to deliver the sperm. The procedure itself is quick and usually painless.

5. After the procedure

Most people can return to normal activities right away. A pregnancy test is usually done about two weeks later to see if the treatment worked.

What Are the Benefits of IUI?

IUI works with your body’s natural process and helps sperm reach the egg. It’s less invasive than many other treatments and does not require surgery or anesthesia. By placing sperm closer to the egg, IUI may improve the chance of fertilization.

Are There Risks Associated With IUI?

The procedure is generally safe and tolerated well, though there are a few risks to be aware of, including:

• Mild cramping
• Spotting after the procedure
• A small risk of infection
• Multiple pregnancy, especially when ovulation-stimulating medications are used

What Affects IUI Success?

IUI success rates can vary quite a bit, and a few things tend to make the biggest difference:

• Age, with higher success rates often seen in women under 35
• Sperm quality, including how many sperm are present and how well they move
• Whether ovulation medications are used, which can help with timing
• Health and habits like smoking or heavy alcohol use

It’s common to try IUI for a few cycles before deciding whether to move on to another option.

Is Intrauterine Insemination Right for You?

Meeting with a provider can help you decide if intrauterine insemination is right for you. During your visit, your care team will review your history and explain your options.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about intrauterine insemination and the treatments that may help you move forward with confidence.

IUI FAQs

1. Are there different types of IUI approaches?
Yes, and the type used will depend on your circumstances and response to treatment:

• Non-medicated IUI: Uses the body’s natural cycle, with monitoring to time the procedure around ovulation.
• Ovulation-induction IUI: Uses oral medications to help an egg mature. Monitoring is done to time insemination.
• Injectable-medication IUI: Uses injectable hormones to help the ovaries release eggs when pills do not work well. This approach needs closer monitoring.

2. Is IUI painful?
Most women report little to no pain during the insemination process. Some experience mild cramping during or after the procedure, which typically goes away quickly.

3. Can IUI work without fertility medications?
Yes. IUI can be performed during a natural cycle for some women. Others rely on medications to improve timing or increase the chance of ovulation.

4. What is the timeline for an IUI cycle?
A standard IUI cycle typically lasts about 28 days, beginning with the first day of a menstrual period and ending with a pregnancy test.

5. Who is a good candidate for IUI?
People who have trouble getting pregnant but still have open fallopian tubes and healthy sperm may be good candidates for intrauterine insemination (IUI).