Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Put Sperm in the Fast Lane

Just like therapy or clothes (looking at you, Brandy Melville), IUI isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are a few reasons folks might opt for the fertility treatment.

• Unexplained infertility. Having problems getting pregnant, but can’t figure out why? You might be diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Folks with unexplained infertility and functionally common fallopian tubes are particularly good candidates for IUI.
• Sperm donor. Whether you’re in a same-sex relationship or want to have a baby without a partner, IUI is great for people who want to use a sperm donor.
• Endometriosis-related infertility. Females who have minimal to mild endometriosis with common pelvic anatomy are candidates for IUI. According to a 2014 research review, endometriosis could cause 5 to 15 percent of infertility cases. Another 2012 research review said it could even be up to 50 percent.
• Male-factor infertility. A male partner with moderate male-factor infertility is a good candidate for IUI. But if sperm count is too low or sperm abnormalities too severe, experts say that IUI has limited use.
• Cervical-factor infertility. This means sperm can’t swim through cervical mucus (basically discharge from the cervix) to meet the egg. Sometimes it’s because the mucus is either too thick or thin. IUI helps increase pregnancy odds by bypassing this fluid.
• Ovulatory-factor infertility. About 25 percent of infertility cases are due to ovulatory factors, such as a reduced number of eggs or total absence of ovulation. IUI remains the first-choice treatment for ovulatory dysfunction.
• Semen allergy. An allergy to semen is rare. But when it happens, the allergic reaction may be avoided by implanting the sperm directly in the uterus.

While the procedure will vary based on your doctor’s specific assessment and instructions, in general, here’s what to expect.

Prepare: IUI prep

Tracking ovulation

The IUI procedure must be synced around ovulation (when you “hatch” that egg).

You can pinpoint ovulation using at-home urine ovulation predictor kits. Or, you may visit the fertility clinic for blood work and ultrasounds to determine ovulation timing.

What route’s right for you will depend on your unique needs and your doctor’s advice. Either way, you’ll work with your doctor to schedule your IUI procedure around the time of ovulation.

Other fertility treatments

IUI can also be combined with fertility drugs designed to stimulate egg production and encourage ovulation.

Meds to boost your odds of getting pregs with IUI might include:

• clomiphene (Clomid)
• letrozole (Femara)
• trigger shots containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or GnRH agonist
• follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) injections

If you’re taking meds, IUI is typically scheduled 10 to 16 days after starting them (and depending on your ovulation test results).

Semen sample

If a male partner is involved, he’ll provide a semen sample the day of the procedure. Otherwise, donor sperm will be thawed.

The semen sample is then taken to the lab, where each tiny swimmer will be “washed.” Basically, this means seminal fluid and other irrelevant debris are removed. As a result, the sperm is super potent and unlikely to bother the uterus with extra substances.

Showtime: IUI procedure

The actual IUI procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes and doesn’t require any anesthesia or pain relief meds. Here’s what to expect on the big day:

1. You’ll lie on the exam table with your legs in stirrups. Your doctor will then use a speculum (you know, that metal pap smear tool) to open up the vagina.
2. Your doctor will insert a long, skinny tube attached to a syringe through the cervix and into the uterus. Once in place, they will inject the sperm.
3. You may be asked to hang out reclined on the table for a few minutes.
4. In some cases, the doctor will perform a second insemination the next day to boost your pregnancy odds.

Recovery: Post IUI care

Some people experience mild cramping or light bleeding after IUI. Otherwise, you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort after the procedure. You can go to work, hop on your elliptical, and live life as usual.

About 2 weeks after the procedure, cross your fingers and grab your pee sticks: it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

If there’s indeed a bun in the oven, some doctors might prescribe progesterone to encourage a healthy pregnancy (depending on your unique fertility sitch).

IUI is considered a safe fertility treatment. Still, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind, especially if you’re pairing IUI with fertility drugs.

• Infection. Though there’s a small chance of infection post-IUI, it’s unlikely. Your doctor uses sterilized instruments, so infection is rare.
• Multiple babies. Using fertility medications containing gonadotropins up your odds of conceiving multiples (not IUI itself). Multiple pregnancies may carry heightened risks like premature birth, low birth weight, or death.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Fertility meds can cause your ovaries overrespond to extra hCG, causing them to swell and fill up with fluid. OHSS is pretty rare, but it can be a medical emergency.

Bank accounts, rejoice! IUI’s way less expensive than fertility procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). But it’s still gonna cost you some green for fertility testing, prep, and the procedure itself.

Depending on your insurance coverage and doctor’s fees, IUI generally costs about $300 to $1,000 without insurance (not including ultrasounds, lab tests, or semen analysis). For comparison, IVF can cost up to $15,000 or more out-of-pocket.

Some states have laws that make health insurance companies pay for some or all fertility treatment if you meet certain requirements. Others offer zilch. If you’re not sure about your options, check out The National Infertility Association to learn more about coverage in the United States and chat with your insurance provider.

The success rate of IUI depends on a few factors, including:

• age (less effective for people above 40, especially after 3 cycles)
• the underlying infertility diagnosis
• whether fertility drugs are used

Overall, IUI’s success rate per cycle isn’t super high compared to fertility treatments like IVF. But since IUI’s a lot cheaper and less invasive, doctors often recommend it before trying IVF. Let’s look at some stats.

According to a 2013 study, IUI success rates varied from 5 to 15 percent per cycle in women under 40 (up until the sixth cycle). A research review estimated IUI’s success rate was about 10 to 20 percent per cycle.

For reference, a healthy 30-year-old woman has about a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant each month. IUI’s success rate isn’t really that different, but it might give folks facing infertility a boost to “typical” conception odds.

IUI is a lower cost, low risk fertility treatment. It can be paired with or without fertility meds and is often an early treatment option for infertility. It’s also an option for folks using a sperm donor.

Having trouble getting preggo and wondering if IUI might work for you? Chat with your OB-GYN or a fertility specialist about your options.