IUI - Intrauterine Insemination

Understanding Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing washed and concentrated sperm directly into a woman’s uterus, bypassing the cervix and increasing the chances of fertilization. It is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office or fertility clinic.

IUI is often used to treat infertility caused by issues with ovulation, cervical factor infertility, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility. The procedure is timed to coincide with ovulation, either through natural cycle monitoring or with the use of fertility drugs.

The process of IUI involves collecting a semen sample from the male partner or a sperm donor, which is then washed and concentrated in the laboratory to remove any potential irritants or debris that could harm the sperm or the uterus. The concentrated sperm are then loaded into a catheter, which is inserted into the woman’s uterus through the cervix. The sperm is released into the uterus, where it can swim towards the fallopian tubes and fertilize an egg if one is present.

IUI is a less expensive and less invasive option compared to other fertility treatments, such as IVF. However, success rates are generally lower than those of IVF, and may depend on factors such as the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the sperm. Multiple cycles of IUI may be needed to achieve a successful pregnancy.