Understanding Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Let’s look at what IUI stands for: IntraUterine Insemination. This means we are introducing semen (insemination) directly into the uterus (intrauterine). IUI relies on the natural ability of sperm to fertilize an egg in the fallopian tube and simply gives the sperm a head-start to get there. 

Leading up to an IUI, an individual with a uterus may have ultrasound and blood monitoring to ensure that the sperm is introduced at the peak moment of her fertility.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE IUI PROCEDURE?

Because IUI is dependent on an ovulatory timeframe, it is hard to pin down the exact date and time of the procedure too far in advance. As monitoring progresses, you’ll get a better sense of when the IUI will be scheduled.

Once the day arrives, it will be a quick 20-minute procedure in the office. First, a semen sample is collected (or thawed, if using frozen sperm). The semen is “washed” in the laboratory to concentrate the sperm and remove the seminal fluid, which can cause severe cramping.

When the semen sample is ready, the specially-prepared sperm are introduced into the uterus via a small catheter. It only takes a few minutes and requires no anesthesia. 

WHY DOES MY DOCTOR WANT TO TRY IUI INSTEAD OF SOMETHING ELSE?

You are always free to ask your reproductive endocrinologist why they are recommending a specific treatment. Your clinical team is motivated to help you or your partner get pregnant with as little intervention as possible, escalating treatment only as needed. 

IUI is a less-invasive treatment than IVF while still giving sperm a "head-start" advantage that, in some cases, is all a person needs. If you are using donor sperm or paying out of pocket, opting for IUI could also be a more affordable option than IVF. 

Another factor is your insurance. For an infertility diagnosis, some insurance providers require that you exhaust certain, less-invasive treatment options including ovulation induction and/or IUI, before moving on to IVF.