INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION

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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

If you've been trying to conceive for quite some time and are considering

next steps, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one option you should be

aware of.

What is IUI?

IUI is a method of introducing a quantity of washed sperm directly into the

uterus via a catheter to enhance the chances of fertilization. The purpose

of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the Fallopian tubes and

thus increase the chance of fertilization occurring.

When is IUI typically used?

IUI is typically only used for couples who have been trying to conceive for

at least two years but who have no known reasons for their infertility,

where the male may have a low sperm count or where there are conditions that

make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg (e.g. hostile cervical

mucus). Because IUI still requires the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg

on its own, it is important that the sperm is known to be healthy and

motile. IUI basically gives the sperm a big head start, but it still has to

seek out the egg on its own.

How does it work?

The procedure itself is relatively simple and can be performed whether or

not the woman is receiving medication to improve her egg production.

However, the stimulation of the ovaries to increase egg production does

increase the odds of success with the IUI procedure. You can discuss this

option with your physician to determine if it is right for you.

The procedure begins by ultrasonographically monitoring the patient in order

to measure the size of her follicles (follicles develop into eggs). The

patient is then given the hormone human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). hCG

causes the egg to be released from the follicle 34-40 hours after it is

administered.

A semen sample will be processed by the lab and the sperm will be separated

from the seminal fluid. The prepared sperm is then injected directly into

the uterus by placing a thin, flexible catheter through the cervix. This

process maximizes the number of sperm cells that are placed in the uterus

and thus increases the possibility of conception. The process takes no more

than a few minutes and most women who have undergone the procedure have

reported minimal discomfort. Ideally and IUI would be performed in the

window of time that begins 6 hours before ovulation and ends 6 hours after

ovulation.

Statistics

The average success rate for IUI ranges from 10-15% in one cycle. It should

be noted that couples with no fertility issues who practice unprotected sex

only have a 15-25% chance of success in any given month. With IUI, as with

other methods of artificial inseminations, the success is dependent on the

functionality of the individual man's sperm and the woman's body.

Hart