IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

What is It?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common fertility procedure in which the sperm are washed, concentrated, and directly placed into a woman’s uterus.

How Does It Work?
By placing the sperm into the uterus, a greater number of motile sperm have a better chance of fertilizing with an egg. Not only is there less distance for them to swim, but they also bypass many of the natural barriers in the vagina and the cervix. With natural intercourse, very few of the sperm reach the upper reproductive tract because they are hindered by the cervical mucus.

The process is similar to having a pap smear performed. During an IUI, minimal discomfort is typically experienced, and it is usually completed within a few minutes. If there is mild male factor infertility, such as decreased sperm concentrations and/or sperm motility, intrauterine insemination is generally the best treatment plan. Intrauterine insemination is also recommended in conjunction with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in couples with unexplained infertility and couples affected by mild/moderate endometriosis. The success rates of COH and IUI approximates the normal of 20% per month that is seen in fertile couples; however, the age of the woman and the fertility diagnosis can affect the success rate. If couples are not successful after 3-6 cycles of COH/IUI, a consultation is recommended to review the causes and possibly come up with a new course of treatment.

To learn more about intrauterine insemination in Idaho Falls, Idaho, please contact Idaho Fertility Center at 208-529-2019 to request an appointment with one of our highly skilled fertility specialists.