Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most affordable, effective, and broadly used treatments for infertility. Every year, thousands of couples are able to get pregnant thanks to the procedure. Below, we will take a look at how to decide whether the IUI procedure is right for you, as well as some basics about how it works.

How the IUI Procedure Works

During IUI, sperm is injected directly into the uterus, which increases the chances of pregnancy. In most cases, the woman takes Clomid for several weeks prior to the procedure, which helps stimulate ovulation. Once home ovulation testing shows that ovulation is occurring, the couple comes to the office for the IUI procedure. The man provides a semen specimen, which can be collected at home prior to the appointment.

The semen is taken to the laboratory, where it is placed in a centrifuge to separate out the healthy, motile sperm from unhealthy sperm and from the proteins contained in the semen. The concentrated, washed sperm is then placed into a catheter. The catheter is placed through the cervix into the woman's uterus, and the sperm is deposited in the uterus. If the sperm fertilizes an egg and the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, pregnancy occurs.

‍Uses of IUI

‍IUI with Clomid is effective at treating a wide variety of causes of both male and female infertility, including:

• Low sperm count
• Low sperm motility
• Blocked cervix
• Abnormal cervical mucous
• Irregular ovulation
• Lack of ovulation
• Infertility with no known cause

One of IUI's biggest advantages is that it is very affordable, at just a few hundred dollars per cycle. In addition, the risk of side effects with IUI is quite low.

‍Choosing IUI

‍In most cases, it is preferable to start with less intensive treatments like IUI before using more intensive treatments like IVF. You may be a good candidate for IUI if you are struggling with infertility and would like to try a treatment that is cost-effective with a good chance of being successful. If you have advanced maternal age, have not responded to IUI in the past, or have a condition that makes you unlikely to respond to IUI, your doctor may recommend IVF as the first course of treatment.

Meeting with a fertility doctor is the first step to deciding whether the IUI procedure is right for you. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your infertility. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.