What is IUI
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a relatively inexpensive form of assisted reproduction that helps a woman conceive. IUI is an outpatient procedure similar to a pap smear.
Some IUI patients use fertility medications such as Clomid or hormone injections to stimulate egg production, in which case follicle development should be tracked by ultrasound and blood work. The IUI is done when the size of the follicles indicates maturity and blood work indicates hormonal readiness.
If no fertility medications are used, a woman tracks her natural cycle and notifies the doctor when her OPK (ovulation predictor kit) is positive.
Timing is important and patients should carefully follow all directions from their doctors.
How IUI Works
IUI is for women with clear fallopian tubes who ovulate or can be made to ovulate with medication. Women may be asked to undergo a hysterosalpingogram, a test that ensures the fallopian tubes are open prior to an IUI cycle. IUI also bypasses cervical mucus in situations where it is a problem.
For men, IUI is used in cases of low sperm count, decreased mobility or with sperm donors.
It is common to try IUI before moving to IVF. The exact number of IUI cycles depends on a couple's medical history and should be discussed with their doctor.
How IUI Works
The IUI procedure takes just a few minutes and involves a speculum, a catheter and sperm. The sperm are washed and sterilized to prevent pelvic infection. Then, a catheter is threaded into the vagina and deposits the sperm directly in the uterus to await the egg.
Men will be required to provide sperm. If low sperm count or decreased mobility is an issue, there may be additional requirements in advance of the IUI to improve quality.
Once the IUI is complete, patients may return to regular activities. A pregnancy test can be taken in 2 weeks to confirm the IUI result.
IUI Success Rates
The success of an IUI cycle is dependent on a couple's health and history, but the American Pregnancy Association puts IUI success rates at 10 to 20 percent. Younger patients have higher rates of IUI pregnancy than older patients.
IUI Cost
Cost varies by region and country, but expect the IUI to cost between $300 and $500. If fertility medications are used, the cost goes up to several thousand dollars.
IUI Risks
IUI is a safe procedure, with a less than 1 percent chance of pelvic infection. For IUI cycles using fertility medications, there is a risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome. Patients should notify their doctors if they experience fever, unusual pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or sudden weight gain after the IUI.
IUI patients under the age of 30 and also using fertility medications have an increased risk of multiples. This risk can be managed by close ultrasound supervision of follicle development. If a large number of follicles respond, there is a risk that a doctor will cancel the IUI.
Tags: fertility medications, blood work, count decreased, , decreased mobility, fallopian tubes, fertility medications used