What is Intrauterine insemination?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy.
When to consider IUI
IUI may increased the chance of pregnancy for couples struggling with infertility due to male factor infertility, cervical issues, or unexplained infertility.
What to expect during treatment
The process typically involves the following steps:
Letrozole or clomiphene medication: In preparation for IUI, a woman may be prescribed letrozole medication to stimulate ovulation. This medication is taken for five days, usually on days 3 to 7 of the menstrual cycle.
Ovulation monitoring: During the letrozole medication phase, a woman’s ovulation is closely monitored with home ovulation predictor kits or ultrasound if necessary to determine the optimal time for insemination.
Sperm preparation: The male partner or a sperm donor will provide a semen sample, which is washed and prepared in the lab to concentrate the healthy sperm. Ocean View Fertility is using a new way of processing sperm called ZyMōt to enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy with IUI.
Insemination: The prepared sperm is then placed directly into the woman’s uterus using a catheter, typically during a quick and painless procedure at a fertility clinic.
What are the side effects?
The side effects associated with IUI may include cramping, spotting, and a small risk of infection. There is also a slight chance of multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.) due to the use of fertility medication, which can increase the number of eggs released during ovulation.
What are the success rates for IUI?
Success rates of IUI vary depending on factors such as the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and the number of insemination attempts. On average, the success rate of IUI is approximately 10 per cycle, although some studies suggest higher success rates for certain populations. It is important to note that IUI may not be effective for all couples and that multiple cycles may be necessary to achieve pregnancy. Your doctor can let you know an estimate of you IUI success rate before
Cost
All the sperm collection will be at Ocean View Fertility on the day of IUI.
