Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Table of Contents
IUI basics
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a safe office procedure and often one of the first fertility treatments for individuals and couples who wish to become pregnant.
IUI relies on the natural ability of sperm to fertilize an egg in the fallopian tube. Studies show that IUI will not be as effective in cases where the male has an abnormal semen analysis. A semen analysis will confirm the health of the male partner’s sperm.
From start to finish, an IUI office procedure takes just a few minutes, requires no anesthesia, and is like a Pap smear. It’s a simple, quick path for specially prepared sperm to enter a woman’s uterus via a small catheter. The timing of the procedure is based on a woman’s ovulation for the highest possibility of pregnancy.
The Goal
The goal of this treatment is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tube and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization. IUI essentially provides sperm with a “head-start” advantage but still requires the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg on its own.
When To Choose IUI?
- Women experiencing unexplained infertility
- Women/couples who require the use of donor sperm
- Lesbian family building
- Mild male factor infertility
- Women experiencing ovulation problems
Fertility Medications & IUI
Depending on your fertility diagnosis, IUI can be coordinated with your normal menstrual cycle or with fertility medications. By increasing egg production with medication, IUI can increase a woman’s chance of conception.
Those with endometriosis and unexplained infertility are among the populations who most benefit from the combination of fertility medication and IUI.
During normal ovulation, a woman usually releases one egg from her ovaries. To increase the chance of fertilization and pregnancy with IUI, she may be given fertility medications at the start of her menstrual cycle to encourage multiple egg releases.
Ovulation Time
Along with our medical team, you will monitor and track your ovulation cycle. When ovulation nears, we will utilize ultrasound to confirm ovulation. Your doctor will map out a customized treatment plan, in terms of the timing of your IUI procedure, which usually occurs within a day or two of ovulation.
Semen Preparation/Semen Analysis
As ovulation occurs, a sperm sample from either a donor or the male partner will be prepared in our laboratory for insemination.
Once collected, the semen sample is then “washed” in the laboratory to concentrate the sperm and remove the seminal fluid (seminal fluid can cause severe cramping in the woman).
Insemination
The IUI procedure itself is relatively simple and can begin once the semen sample is ready. From start to finish, the IUI takes twenty minutes, and you are welcome to continue about your day after the procedure has concluded.
Pregnancy Test
After two weeks, you will return to NewLife Fertility for a blood test, which is more sensitive to pregnancy hormones after fertilization than a standard “at-home” pregnancy test.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an age limit for IUI at your clinic?
Newlife Fertility offers IUI treatment for patients up to the age of 45. - What happens if I don’t get pregnant on the first IUI cycle? How many attempts can we make?
Patients can typically try up to three IUI cycles if sperm count is normal. If you’re looking to conceive sooner, IVF may be a good alternative. You and your doctor can discuss when it’s best to consider transitioning to IVF. - What are the success rates for IUI?
Success rates for IUI depend on various factors. With oral fertility medications like letrozole or clomiphene citrate, IUI has a pregnancy rate of 8-10% per cycle. When combined with injectable medications like Gonal F or Puregon, the rate increases to 15-18%. Other factors, such as maternal age, sperm quality, and the length of infertility, may affect the success rate. After three medicated IUI cycles, we suggest discussing the next steps with your doctor. IVF may be a recommended option for those wanting quicker results. - Are there any risks with IUI treatment?
The primary risk of IUI is the chance of a multiple pregnancy, which is considered a higher-risk situation. Some patients may opt for IVF as it carries an extremely low risk of multiples. - What should I do if IUI isn’t successful?
If IUI doesn’t lead to pregnancy after three cycles, we recommend meeting with your doctor to discuss IVF. If you’re eager to conceive sooner, it may be helpful to have a conversation after one or two cycles to explore other treatment options. - Is IUI covered by OHIP? What are the costs involved?
Blood tests, ultrasounds, and the IUI procedure are covered by OHIP. However, the cost of sperm washing and medications is not covered by OHIP, though some private insurance plans may assist. For specific pricing details, please refer to our Fees page. - How often will I need to visit the clinic for Cycle Monitoring during IUI?
You will need to visit the clinic 5-10 times over a two-week period for Cycle Monitoring.
