What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus during her ovulation period. This procedure increases the chances of sperm meeting and fertilizing the egg, thus improving the likelihood of pregnancy. The sperm used in IUI can come from a partner or a donor, depending on the clinical situation.
IUI is considered less invasive than other fertility treatments because it doesn’t involve anesthesia or any surgical procedure like egg retrieval. Instead, it focuses on timing and placement to improve the natural fertilization process.
Why Should You Choose Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
There are several reasons why people might choose IUI as a fertility treatment:
1. Fertility Issues in Women
Women who have difficulty conceiving due to fertility issues, such as irregular ovulation or cervical mucus problems, may benefit from IUI. The procedure bypasses the cervix, which can sometimes be a barrier to sperm, making it easier for sperm to reach the egg.
2. Male Infertility
IUI is often used when male infertility is a factor. This includes issues like low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or problems with ejaculation. By using sperm that has been washed and concentrated, IUI increases the number of healthy sperm that can reach the egg.
3. Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes, couples experience infertility without a clear cause. In such cases, IUI can be a helpful treatment option because it simplifies the process of fertilization by placing sperm closer to the egg.
4. Using Donor Sperm
For single women, same-sex couples, or couples where the male partner has severe fertility issues, IUI with donor sperm is a common approach. The donor sperm is carefully screened and prepared before being used in the IUI procedure.
5. Mild endometriosis
In young age females with mild endometriosis, IUI can be tried after detailed counselling.
What Are the Success Rates of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
The success rate of IUI varies depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the underlying cause of infertility, and whether fertility medications were used. On average, the success rate for IUI is about 10-20% per cycle for women under 35. The rate decreases as women age or if other fertility issues are present.
It’s important to understand that IUI might not work on the first try. Many couples need to undergo multiple cycles of IUI before achieving pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the best course of action based on your circumstances.
IUI vs. IVF: What’s the Difference?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are two of the most common fertility treatments, but they differ significantly in terms of process, cost, and success rates.
- IUI: As discussed, IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate natural fertilization. It is less invasive, less expensive, and typically the first treatment option recommended for couples experiencing infertility.
- IVF: In contrast, IVF is a more complex process that involves retrieving eggs from the woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and then implanting the resulting embryos into the uterus. IVF is generally recommended for couples with more serious fertility issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or when IUI has not been successful.
- Cost: IUI is significantly less expensive than IVF, making it a more accessible option for many couples. However, the lower success rate of IUI compared to IVF may result in multiple cycles of treatment, which can add up over time.
- Invasiveness: IUI is a simpler and less invasive procedure compared to IVF. IVF involves multiple steps, including hormone injections, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer, all of which are more intensive than the IUI process.
