The CDC estimates that one in eight couples under 35 experience infertility. And for individuals or couples struggling to conceive, assisted reproduction such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) can start the family you’ve hoped for.
Let’s cover the intrauterine insemination process, IUI candidacy, and success rates for this procedure.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as donor insemination, is a procedure whereby sperm is placed inside the uterus to ensure healthy sperm gets closer to the egg and increases the chances of successful fertilization.
The sperm is placed in the uterus during ovulation. The hope for the outcome of the procedure is for the sperm to swim to the fallopian tube and fertilize the egg, resulting in pregnancy.
Intrauterine insemination may be right for individuals and couples who:
Performed by a fertility specialist, the IUI procedure places sperm within the intended mother’s uterus to increase the likelihood of reaching and fertilizing with eggs. The procedure can be used in conjunction with hormonal stimulation or a natural cycle and is a quick, painless procedure performed during ovulation. The process involves:
Ovarian stimulation starts 2-4 days into the woman's cycle. You'll start taking medication to facilitate egg development. You can either take the medication for typically 5 or 10 days. Gonadotropins are administered for 10 days and Letrozole for 5 days. Multiple visits to the doctor's office can be needed during this stage to keep track of ovarian development and to determine the next step.
During the medicated IUI cycle ovulation is triggered by another medication. The trigger medication usually takes place on day 13. IUI is done on the day that is closest to ovulation with blood tests and ultrasound used to measure the luteinizing hormone. The IUI procedure is scheduled for 12-36 hours after the ovulation predictor shows a positive result.
The intended mother reports to the doctor's office for the insemination procedure. The sperm is washed and drawn into a catheter and the vagina and cervix are also cleaned. The physician also confirms if the sperm being used is correct and slides the catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. After the sperm has been successfully deposited, the catheter is removed.
For a successful IUI procedure, there needs to be a careful analysis of the semen. Sperm samples are taken from donors and evaluated for morphology, motility, and count. The sperm is prepared to increase the chances of insemination success and goes through a special washing procedure.
If necessary, sperm is collected and frozen at a collection office and shipped to the fertility center. It can also be collected fresh at home or ordered and delivered from a donor agency.
The doctor slides a catheter past your cervix into the uterus. The sperm gets injected into the uterine cavity and later the catheter is removed. It's a simple procedure that does not need any anesthesia and only lasts for a few minutes. You'll not feel any discomfort but maybe some mild cramping.
The success rate for the procedure depends on several factors, which include age and underlying fertility challenges. Let's explore IUI success rates within these two segments.
As a woman ages, the conception rates drop due to egg quality. Because of this, IUI isn’t usually recommended for intended mothers over 40.
Women who have irregular menstrual cycles or don't ovulate need medication to conceive. Through a diagnosis, the doctor may identify issues that can affect your success rate.
Once the intended mother begins her ovulatory cycle your fertility doctor will schedule the IUI. Follow your doctor’s advice and instructions surrounding fertility medication and when to provide the sperm sample. Any delays or missteps within this process can reduce your chances of success.
To learn more about IUI success rates at our fertility clinic get in touch with our fertility specialists.
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Note: This is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information provided is for general educational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Speak to your doctor directly with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Any information contained herein does not replace any care plan as determined by a physician.
¹Birth rate percentage using aggregate data from ALL age groups on the Live Births Per Intended Egg Retrieval (ALL EMBRYO TRANSFERS) of Patient's Own Eggs chart for 2020. Reference: PFCLA SART | NATIONAL SART
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