7 Facts About Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)

Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) is a form of fertility treatment that involves transferring sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilisation.

Facts About IUI

1)IUI can be used on both male and female infertility condition

Female with a condition such as mild endometriosis-associated infertility, problems related to the cervix, or males with mild infertility problems can benefit from this simple assisted conception method.

2) IUI can be performed with or without ovulation-stimulating medications.

So, do not be surprise if you may be required to take pills or injection to stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs.

3) The process of IUI is just like a pap smear procedure.

It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic without medications or pain relievers.

4) The timing of IUI is important.

It must be done when the egg is in the fallopian tube.

5) IUI provides a shorter way for the sperm to reach the fallopian tubes.

However, the sperm still need to work his way to meet Ms eggs, hence a considerably good semen parameter is still important to achieve good IUI success rates.

6) It may take multiple tries to achieve conception.

While IUI is the first -line infertility therapy with non-invasive and inexpensive option, pregnancy rates are much lower than those of IVF. You may have to adjust your expectation by attempting at least 2 IUI cycles before deciding on other options.

7) Rest for 15 minutes after insemination.

Studies suggest that immobilisation for 15 minutes after the insemination yields significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates. So the next time you are ever attempting IUI, take those relaxing 15 minutes rest before jumping out of the bed.

The success during fertility treatment is always going to depend heavily on the women’s age at the time of treatment. Always discuss with your fertility specialist to discuss your options and what works best for your condition.