Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) (Husband/Donor)

A fertility treatment that places sperm directly into your uterus during ovulation, helping healthy sperm get closer to the egg.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination and fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into a woman's uterus.

During a natural conception, sperm has to travel from your vagina through your cervix, into your uterus and to your fallopian tubes. Only 5% of the sperm are able to travel from your vagina to your uterus. Once your ovary releases an egg, it travels to your fallopian tube. This is where the sperm and egg meet and fertilization occurs.

With IUI, the sperm is collected, washed and concentrated so that only high-quality sperm remain. This sperm is placed directly into your uterus with a catheter (thin tube), putting it closer to your fallopian tubes. IUI makes it easier for the sperm to reach an egg because it cuts down on the time and distance it has to travel. This increases your chance of becoming pregnant.

IUI vs. Natural Conception

Natural Conception

  • Sperm travels from vagina through cervix to uterus
  • Only 5% of sperm reach the uterus
  • Longer distance for sperm to travel
  • Fertilization occurs in fallopian tube

IUI

  • Sperm placed directly in uterus
  • Concentrated, high-quality sperm used
  • Shorter distance to fallopian tubes
  • Fertilization still occurs naturally in fallopian tube

The IUI Process

The timeline for the IUI procedure is approximately four weeks (around 28 days) from beginning to end. It's about the same length as a regular menstrual cycle.

Step 1: Preparation and Monitoring

  • Your healthcare provider will monitor your ovulation cycle using ultrasounds and blood tests
  • You may take fertility medications to stimulate egg production
  • Monitoring helps determine when your eggs are mature and ready to be released

Step 2: Sperm Collection and Preparation

  • A sperm sample is collected from your partner or a donor
  • The sample is "washed" to remove seminal fluid and concentrate the healthiest sperm
  • This process takes about 30 minutes to two hours

Step 3: The IUI Procedure

  • You'll lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam
  • A speculum is inserted into your vagina
  • A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through your cervix into your uterus
  • The washed sperm is injected through the catheter
  • The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes and doesn't require anesthesia

Step 4: After the Procedure

  • You may lie on your back for a brief period after the procedure
  • You can resume normal activities immediately
  • Some mild cramping or spotting is normal
  • A pregnancy test is taken about two weeks after the procedure

Why IUI is Performed

People choose IUI for many reasons, such as infertility issues, or as a reproductive option for same-sex female couples or females who wish to have a baby without a partner, using a sperm donor.

Common Reasons for IUI

  • Unexplained infertility - When no specific cause for infertility can be found
  • Mild male factor infertility - Including low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility
  • Cervical factor infertility - When the cervix has scarring or thick mucus that prevents sperm from entering the uterus
  • Ejaculation dysfunction - Including premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation
  • Semen allergy - When a woman has an allergy to proteins in her partner's semen
  • Same-sex female couples - Who wish to have biological children using donor sperm
  • Single women - Who wish to have a baby without a partner using donor sperm

When IUI May Not Be Effective

IUI may not be the best option if you have:

  • Severe fallopian tube damage or blockage
  • History of pelvic infections
  • Moderate to severe endometriosis
  • Severe male factor infertility

In these cases, your healthcare provider might recommend other fertility treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Risks and Considerations

IUI is low risk compared to other more invasive fertility treatments like IVF. However, there are still some risks and considerations to be aware of.

Potential Risks

  • Infection - Though rare, there's a slight risk of infection
  • Multiple pregnancy - If fertility medications are used, there's an increased chance of twins or triplets
  • Spotting - Light vaginal bleeding can occur after the procedure

Medication Side Effects

If you're taking fertility medications for IUI, you might experience:

  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings or depression
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - a rare condition where your ovaries become swollen and painful

Emotional Considerations

IUI can be mentally and physically difficult. Couples or individuals suffering from infertility issues and pursuing assisted reproductive technologies often struggle with depression. Talk with your healthcare provider if you're feeling disappointed or overwhelmed so they can help you through the process.

After the Procedure

After your IUI procedure, you'll want to know what to expect and when you can resume normal activities.

Common Symptoms After IUI

  • Mild cramping
  • Light spotting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Mild bloating

These symptoms are normal and usually resolve within a day or two.

Activity Recommendations

  • Most people can return to normal activities immediately
  • You can have sex before and after IUI - in fact, having sex the day of IUI or the day after may increase your chances of becoming pregnant
  • Avoid anything that makes you feel uncomfortable
  • There are typically no restrictions on physical activity

When to Contact Your Provider

If you're taking fertility medications for IUI, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Severe bloating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Decreased urination

Success Rates

The success of IUI depends on several factors, including age, the reason for infertility, and whether fertility medications are used.

Success Rate Factors

Several factors can affect your chances of success with IUI:

  • Age - Women under 35 have higher success rates
  • Cause of infertility - Some conditions respond better to IUI than others
  • Sperm quality - Higher sperm count and motility improve success rates
  • Use of fertility medications - Can increase success rates by stimulating ovulation
  • Number of cycles - Most pregnancies occur within the first three to four IUI cycles

Average Success Rates by Age

15%Under 35
10%35-37
8%38-40
2%Over 40

*Success rates per cycle with no fertility issues other than the need for donor sperm

IUI vs. IVF

How does IUI compare to IVF?

  • IUI has lower success rates per cycle than IVF (10-15% vs. 40-50% for women under 35)
  • IUI is less invasive and has fewer side effects
  • IUI may be a good first step before moving to IVF for many couples

Ready to Learn More About IUI?

Our team of fertility specialists at UDAAN Fertility Clinic is here to help you understand if IUI is right for you.

Have Questions?

Our fertility counselors are available to answer any questions you might have about IUI treatment.