What is iui treatment

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an assisted reproductive technique involving placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation time. This procedure increases the number of sperm reaching the egg, thereby increasing fertilization and pregnancy likelihood.

How IUI Works

During an IUI cycle, the woman may take fertility medications to stimulate egg production. An ovulation predictor kit or ultrasound determines when ovulation is about to occur. On the insemination day, sperm is collected and processed in the laboratory to concentrate healthy, motile sperm. The doctor inserts a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus and deposits the prepared sperm. The entire procedure typically takes less than five minutes.

Who is IUI for?

• Male factor infertility: Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology
• Cervical factor infertility: Cervical mucus problems or cervical scarring
• Unexplained infertility: No identifiable cause for inability to conceive
• Single women or same-sex couples: Using donor sperm
• Ejaculation disorders: Retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction

Success Rates

IUI success rates vary based on age, fertility diagnosis, egg quality, and sperm parameters. Younger women generally have higher success rates of 15-20% per cycle. Success rates decline significantly after age 40. Multiple cycles are often recommended, with cumulative success rates over 3-6 cycles reaching 40-60%.

Risks and Considerations

IUI is considered low-risk. Main risks include infection, uterine perforation, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if fertility medications are used. Unlike IVF, the risk of multiple pregnancies is relatively low with IUI, though slightly higher than natural conception.