Using Intrauterine Insemination For Infertility

According to RESOLVE, the National Fertility Association, 30% of infertility is due to a female factor, 30% is due to a male factor, 10% is due to a combination and 20% is due to unexplained reasons. IUI can be helpful in most of these cases.

To conceive through intercourse, the sperm enters the vagina and travels into the uterus and then into the fallopian tubes, where it can fertilize the egg. But conditions in the female and male body can make this process more difficult. Mucus in the woman's cervix, for example, can make it more difficult for the sperm to reach its destination. Likewise, if the sperm count is low or has a low motility rate, the number of sperm that can reach and fertilize the egg can be diminished. The female partner must have at least one fallopian tube open for IUI to be successful.

IUI improves the opportunity for pregnancy by inserting washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus, not the vagina, through a thin catheter. This more direct approach makes it more likely that the high quality sperm will meet the waiting egg.

IUI is a simple procedure and can be completed in the doctor's office quickly. It takes about an hour to wash the sperm, but the insemination procedure itself takes about 5 minutes. Patients may have IUI as a standalone treatment, however many patients also take medicine to stimulate egg release (ovulation) prior to the procedure to further increase the chance of pregnancy.

Because IUI is minimally invasive and is performed in the office, it involves less risk than some other procedures. Women may experience some cramping or spotting after the procedure, but are usually able to resume their regular activities the same day as the procedure. Due to IUI's effectiveness and ease of use, it is often an initial treatment for infertility.