What is Intrauterine Insemination Treatment?

Intrauterine insemination treatment (IUI Treatment) is one of the commonly used assisted reproductive procedure. Normally, the sperms swim through the female reproductive organs (cervix and uterus and fallopian tube) to reach the egg. Once the sperm fuses with the egg an embryo develops and grows during pregnancy into a fetus.

Intrauterine insemination i.e., IUI Procedure is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. The goal of IUI technique is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization.

When is IUI Technique used?

The most common reasons for doing IUI Procedure are a low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility. However it may be a treatment option in the following conditions as well:

Unexplained infertility

When there is a cervical condition preventing pregnancy including a cervical mucus problem

Cervical scar tissue from past procedures which may hinder the sperms’ ability to enter the uterus

Ejaculation dysfunction with ovulation induction

What is an IUI procedure?

Before intrauterine insemination, ovulation-stimulating medications may be used and you will be monitored to determine when the eggs are mature.

The IUI procedure will be performed around the time of ovulation.

A semen sample will be washed by the lab to separate the semen from the seminal fluid.

A catheter will then be used to insert the sperm directly into the uterus. This process maximizes the number of sperm cells that are placed in the uterus, thus increasing the possibility of conception.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and you may feel little pain.

Ovulation induction Sperm retrieval Artificial insemination

What are the risks involved with IUI Treatment?

With ovulation induction, the chances of becoming pregnant with multiples is increased. There is also a small risk of infection after IUI.

How successful is an IUI procedure?

The success of IUI Treatment depends on several factors. If a couple has the IUI procedure performed each month, success rates may reach as high as 20% per cycle depending on variables such as female age, the reason for infertility, and whether were used, among other variables.

The success also depends on your age, the cause of infertility, and the type of fertility drugs used.

A success rate of IUI Procedure by age: