Dr Kaylen Silverberg - What is Intrauterine Insemination?
Intrauterine Insemination, IUI is a fertility treatment option for couples facing low sperm counts or unexplained infertility
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure where
sperm is placed directly inside the woman's uterus,
increasing her chances of becoming pregnant. IUI may
be recommended in cases of unexplained infertility
or in cases where the sperm count is low. It is
typically combined with medication to stimulate the
ovaries (i.e. Clomid or gonadotropins), though it
may also be used on its own in some cases of male
factor infertility.
The male partner will be instructed to obtain a
semen sample by masturbation and ejaculation into a
sterile container. The man should avoid ejaculating
for two to five days before collecting the sample.
The semen is then prepared in the laboratory to
separate the active sperm from the inactive sperm
and seminal fluid. The process is similar if donor
sperm is used.
Some patients may not be able to collect sperm
using this technique for religious or other reasons.
An alternative is to use a special condom during
intercourse to collect the sperm. If this is
something you are interested in, please discuss this
with your nurse or doctor.
The timing of IUI depends on whether an ovulation
kit is being used or if an Ovidrel injection is
required. Most treatments only require 1 IUI, but
patients using gonadotropins at the Texas Fertility
Center will have 2 IUIs.
During an IUI, the woman lies on her back on an
examination table and rests her feet in the
supports. A speculum is inserted in the vagina and a
long, thin, flexible tube is used to insert the
prepared sperm sample through the vagina and cervix
inside the uterus. This typically takes two to three
minutes.
The woman may feel some cramping during the
procedure, although this usually resolves quickly.
After the sperm sample is inserted and the tube is
removed, we ask the woman to lie still for
approximately 10 minutes. The woman may then resume
her normal activities, including returning to work.
Serious complications of IUI are very rare.
Common reactions include pelvic cramping, light
bleeding, and vaginal discharge. If these problems
are persistent or become severe, please call your
nurse.
The chance for pregnancy following IUI depends on
the type of treatment that a patient is undergoing.
For example, in an unmedicated cycle, IUI produces
pregnancy rates of approximately 6-10%. Clomid/IUI
cycles typically produce pregnancy rates of 8-12%
per cycle, while gonadotropin/IUI cycles have
pregnancy rates of 15-25% per cycle.
